Michael Jackson News Update: Drugs Suspected in His Death

UPDATE: Police Say Michael Jackson ‘Heavily Addicted’ to Oxycontin. He received an injection of Demerol an hour before his death. “The information and other emerging details, make it almost certain the Los Angeles Police Homicide and Robbery Division will launch a full investigation into the circumstances of the pop singer’s death.” via ABC News.

Many are still reeling from the sad, and untimely death of pop icon Michael Jackson, and the news continues to dominate the news cycle today.

I’m watching the video for “Remember the Time” on the FUSE music channel–I totally forgot that was from an Eddie Murphey movie.

At any rate, the rumors are flying fast and furious, as are the tributes.   So, here’s a wrap up of today’s MJ news:

Jackson’s personal doctor went missing, and there are rumors that drugs may have played a part in his death.   A Jackson friend told TMZ   he had been given a shot of the pain killer Demerol before going into cardiac arrest.

The question of drug use means the autopsy could take 6-8 weeks, according to the LA coronors office. A series of tests will be run, including those for toxicology.

The 911 call has been released, you can listen to it HERE.   The person who made the call said Jackson was not breathing and unconscious.   The doctor on scene — Dr. Conrad Murray — was the only witness.   TMZ reports that emergency workers on the scene felt Jackson was already dead, but the doctor refused to let them “call it.”

Dr. Conrad is still missing. (eta: he’s been found, but he couldn’t be found for hours)

Liza Minelli, a good friend of Jackson, predicts “All hell will break loose” when the autopsy report comes back.   Ex-wife, Lisa Marie Presley says Jackson always believed he’d die young, just like her father, Elvis Presley.

Jackson’s other ex-wife, and the mother of his 2 older children, Debbie Rowe, is said to be inconsolable.   She could get custody of her children. Right now, they are in the custody of Jackson’s mother, Katharine.

The night before his death, Jackson rehearsed 10-11 songs for UK concert performances scheduled to begin in two weeks.   He told his manager afterward, “I’m so happy…this is really our time.”

Jackson was “awash in debt” at the time of his death, and leaves a troubled financial legacy.

The news of Jackson’s death overwhelmed the internet, rocketing web traffic. Services like Google, Twitter, MySpace, Facebook and Wikipedia were pounded with requests.

Jackson’s brother Marlon says his brother’s legacy will live on.

Since his death, Jackson’s music has dominated the iTunes sales chart. As of 12:20 on Friday afternoon, 41 songs on the iTunes Top 100 singles chart featured contributions from Michael Jackson on either lead or backing vocals. The e Top 100 albums, had 24 entries from either Michael’s solo career or from his days with the Jackson 5.

MTV assesses Jackson’s groundbreaking career by the numbers: He sold more than 750 million records worldwide. He notched eight platinum or multiplatinum albums and 13 #1 singles, and had 47 tracks crack the Billboard Hot 100.

Vulture gathers the best MJ tributes, and 6 random pop culture moments.   There was a moment of silence on the House floor this morning, and a bit about MJ was cut out of yesterday’s Bruno premiere.

About mj santilli 34833 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!