Jackson Family Wants Second Autopsy

Rev. Jesse Jackson: Family Has Lingering Questions About Cause Of Death

(AP)  Updated at 11:06 p.m. EDT
Michael Jackson's family wants a private autopsy of the pop icon because of unanswered questions about how he died and the doctor who was with him, the Rev. Jesse Jackson said Saturday.

"It's abnormal," he told The Associated Press from Chicago a day after visiting the Jackson family. "We don't know what happened. Was he injected and with what? All reasonable doubt should be addressed."

People close to Jackson have said since his death that they were concerned about the superstar's use of painkillers. Los Angeles County medical examiners completed an autopsy Friday and said Jackson had taken prescription medication.

Medical officials also said there was no indication of trauma or foul play. An official cause of death could take weeks.

The coroner's office released the body to Jackson's family Friday night. There was no immediate word on whether the second autopsy was being performed right away. Jesse Jackson described the family as grief-stricken.

"They're hurt because they lost a son. But the wound is now being kept open by the mystery and unanswered questions of the cause of death," he said.

Two days after Jackson died at a Los Angeles hospital, sisters Janet and La Toya arrived at the mansion Jackson had been renting. They left without addressing reporters.

Moving vans also showed up at the Jackson home, leaving about an hour later. There was no indication what they might have taken away.

The Jackson family issued a statement Saturday expressing its grief over the death and thanking his supporters.

"In one of the darkest moments of our lives we find it hard to find the words appropriate to this sudden tragedy we all had to encounter," said the statement made through People magazine. "We miss Michael endlessly."

The Jackson family did not respond to a request for comment from the AP.

There was also no word from the family on funeral plans. Many of Jackson's relatives have gathered at the family's Encino compound, caring there for Jackson's three children.

A person close to the family told the AP they feel upset and angry about a lack of information about those who were around the pop superstar in his final days. The person requested anonymity because of the delicate nature of the situation.

Jackson had been rehearsing for 50 London concerts aimed at restoring his crown as the King of Pop. He died Thursday at age 50 after what his family said appeared to be cardiac arrest.

A 911 call from Jackson's rented home reported that his personal doctor was trying to revive him without success. Police have talked to Dr. Conrad Murray and have said they intend to speak with him again but have stressed he is not a criminal suspect.

Murray has yet to speak publicly since Jackson's death. Police towed his car from Jackson's home hours after Jackson died and said later it could contain medication or other evidence. Coroner's officials also said Jackson was taking prescription medication but declined to elaborate.

A lawyer at a Houston firm, William M. Stradley, confirmed Murray had hired his firm and said one of its partners was meeting with Los Angeles police on Saturday. Stradley said Murray accompanied Michael Jackson to the hospital.

"He was there from the beginning and he's been cooperating with police from the very beginning," Stradley said. "Dr. Murray has never left L.A. since Mr. Jackson's death, and he remains there."

Murray lives in Las Vegas but apparently left his practice and moved in with Jackson about two weeks ago. No one answered the door Saturday at his Las Vegas home, which property records show Murray bought five years ago for $1.1 million.

The promoter of the series of London concerts that Jackson was to begin next month has said Jackson personally insisted Murray be on the payroll.

Also Saturday, spiritual teacher Dr. Deepak Chopra said he had been concerned since 2005 that Jackson was abusing prescription painkillers and most recently spoke to the pop star about suspected drug use six months ago.

Chopra said Jackson, a longtime friend, asked him for painkillers in 2005 when the singer was staying with him following his trial on sex abuse allegations. Chopra said he refused. He also said the nanny of Jackson's children repeatedly contacted him with concerns about Jackson's drug use over the next four years.

He said she told him a number of doctors would visit Jackson's homes in Santa Barbara County, Los Angeles, Miami and New York. Whenever the subject came up, Jackson would avoid his calls, Chopra said.


More Michael Jackson coverage:

Focus Shifting To Drugs In Jackson's Death
Jackson Family Issues Statement To Fans
Jackson Family Wants Second Autopsy
Drug Use Worried Spiritual Teacher Chopra
Jackson Story Shows Speed Of Digital Age
Lisa Marie: Jackson Foresaw His End
Jackson Doctor Under Increased Scrutiny
Filipino Inmates Perform Jackson Tribute
Jackson Family Questions Promoter's Role
A Collection Of CBS Videos Of Michael Jackson
The Death Of Michael Jackson: Full Coverage

[sociald63]

hey brianbwb-2009, you're the ultimate brown nose, keep up the good work & maybe the jacksons will put you on thier payroll

[Ichabod09]

brianbwb-2009 is a multi-ID troll with a closet full of delusional stories about his education, where he lives, and his professions.

He will change his story at the drop of a hat and is not to be believed in anything.

[airboatboy]

Enough is enough. Bury that pedophile weirdo and let's move on.

[hungry1968-15]

SIX STORIES on the CBS News homepage about this child molesting scummbag?!?!?!

[zonkzilla]

"I makes me sick to look at all the comments about a person who just lost their life. Beyond being a popular worldwide icon, first he was a human being. Not one person, including myself is perfect."

Well since I (and probably many on this board) have never taken any illegal drugs in my life and have taken only one prescribed narcotic pain killer out of an entire bottle (that is the extent of my using drugs), I think I have ther right criticize someone for being a drug addict and killing themself with an overdose of drugs. I guess when it comes to using illegal drugs or abusing drugs, I am in fact perfect. Drugs are for losers.

[zonkzilla]

Jesse Jackson is something else isn't he?
Let anything happen to a famous African American person or group and Jesse is there to get into the news whether it is any of his concern or not.
Shameful to say the least.

[hungry1968-15]

Who cares?

Cremate the body, and in 4 or 5 days when the fire goes, call in the EPA to clean up the environmental mess.

Then everyone can move on - except for the spotlight seeking Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton.

[mcintoshlou]

On Thursday, Sanford agreed to reimburse the state for part of the more-than $8,000 tab. Exactly how much he needs to pay back has not yet been determined, Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer said Saturday.

The state Commerce Department says the trip itinerary originally included only Brazil, but the governor later asked for economic development meetings in Argentina.

State Democratic Party Carol Fowler called Saturday for legislative leaders to set up a bipartisan committee to investigate and criticized law enforcement, particularly the attorney general, for not launching a probe. Others calling for a criminal investigation include Sen. Jake Knotts, R-West Columbia, and government watchdog groups.

"Mark Sanford abandoned his official duties, deceived the public and misled the family. He has even admitted to using public funds to support his extramarital affair," she said. "But in spite of 10 days of full national humiliation, South Carolinians still don't know the whole truth. Is Mark Sanford simply an irresponsible public official or guilty of something criminal?"

sanford needs the second autopsy

[nextgenman09]

Oh looky! The slimy, slithering freak Jesse Jackson has skulked up on the scene looking for a little camera time again.

[sociald63]

yo rev jj - where were you when i lost my job based on race and religion, huh? where were you? oops, i forgot - i aint blakk

[maddy73]

I makes me sick to look at all the comments about a person who just lost their life. Beyond being a popular worldwide icon, first he was a human being. Not one person, including myself is perfect. The man has been through more than anyone can bear. Let the celebration of the end of his journey be peaceful.
There are enough haters in the world. Instead of bad mouthing each other pray for one another.

[trapbreaking]

Al "no blood on my clothes" Sharpton show up yet?

.

[brianbwb-2009]

SO what if he does? If he has close enough contact with the family, and wishes to be there in their time of sorrow, If the family accepts his condolences, and in the process he makes statements the press deems worthy of print, then you are no one with the opinion that he cannot.

Does he spend any of your money on the trip?

[brianbwb-2009]

SO what if he does? If he has close enough contact with the family, and wishes to be there in their time of sorrow, If the family accepts his condolences, and in the process he makes statements the press deems worthy of print, then you are no one with the opinion that he cannot.

Does he spend any of your money on the trip?

[pepperwood2]

With all due respect Sir I must admit that you are but half-right! Is it possible that you belong to Uncle Jesse's Mutual Admiration Society. If I am mistaken please continue to respond in your usual bias flavored rhetoric and prove my point.

[pepperwood2]

That sleazy I'm looking for dirt expression Uncle Jesse has on his face says it all. What a time for this old puke to show up. We're all in mourning for our beloved Michael then this Racist just has to show up/off like he's Family.

I suppose to be fair about this everybody that has Jackson as a last name should be able to show up and get their picture in the paper and on the news. So Sad you are Reverend??

[brianbwb-2009]

Of course you know with concrete proof that they are not family, right?

It is quite transparent you have no regard for any Jackson, whether preacher, or performer, otherwise you would not use this opportunity to vent your hatred for someone who has done more for "Black" America, and indirectly America as a whole, than your parents taught you should be done. Your statement of "mourning your beloved..." is as false as the "I voted for Obama, but..." lie that the neo racists tell just before proceeding to spewing their sociopath agendas.

[mutnauq4842]

by brianbwb-2009 June 27, 2009 9:08 PM PDT
Of course you know with concrete proof that they are not family, right
___________________________________________________________________________
Good grief get help you racist sociopath. If anyone has an agenda it is you. Quit using racism as an excuse for whatever is going on in your life.

[thomderr1]

There is no point in arguing about a second autopsy. This is the same as the 'second opinion' may of us get when going to our doctor/specialist. The family has that right.

People must remember that this is not "C.S.I." Nothing such as this investigation will be concluded in an hour time slot!

[HGOODGUY]

WHY DOES JESSE LACKSON ALWAYS BECOME THE SELF APPOINTED SPOKESMAN,.

[brianbwb-2009]

Ever occur to you that the family may have asked him to be?

Nah, too much logic for such people as yourself.

[enough-already]

You all mark my words: Some combination of the members of the Jackson family are going to sue SOMEONE, and I'll bet my last dollar that SOMEHOW the taxpayers are going to end up paying the bill. You just watch!

[brianbwb-2009]

So? If they sue, and the suit merits a win, hey, that's life and law, and actually none of your business. Usually the loser in a suit is made to pay the costs, so what bill are you, as a taxpayer, expecting, unless of course you are the taxpayer being sued, in which case, if you lose the suit, you should of course pay?

[brianbwb-2009]

So? If they sue, and the suit merits a win, hey, that's life and law, and actually none of your business. Usually the loser in a suit is made to pay the costs, so what bill are you, as a taxpayer, expecting, unless of course you are the taxpayer being sued, in which case, if you lose the suit, you should of course pay?

[hockeymom441]

an "independent" autopsy is exactly what the coroner's autopsy is. It seems like even in his death, he is exploited by those whom are suppose to love him most. Let poor MJ finally rest in peace - didn't you torture him enough? Shame on you.

[realitychec6]

.... "by those WHO are supposed to love him most." People have a lot of difficulty knowing when to use "WHO" or "WHOM" ... an easy way to know is to substitute a pronoun in place of the word, such as: "he is supposed to love" ... If you would use "he" then the word to use is "who". If a sentence would require "him" then the word to use is "whom".

[hush_puppy]

You are not going to find any money in him no matter how many times you look. Is his family going to continue the circus or let him finally rest in peace.

[gravyboat3000]

The Cardiologist that lived with MJ dissapeared before the ambulance shows up.

He's neglegant in this case. And the family just wants to make sure what happened.

Your family would do the same. It's not about money.

Although, people like you will never get that.

[brianbwb-2009]

Assuming they know this, then obviously they are looking for concrete answers rather than money. The "circus" is necessary, as insurance matters will become very important to the future of Michael's children, and before the insurance companies try to welsh on their coverage, (which we all know they will try to do) it is only common sense to make sure that as much corruption as possible be eliminated from the process.

You will find this out when matters of probate strike your family, unless of course it is after your own passing, in which case your progeny will find this out, assuming you have progeny.

[u-r-right]

Jesse Jackson may just be Captain Hook in disguise!!! Michael may simply be tied up somewhere in Never-Neverland, waiting for his daring Pan-esque escape with the help of Tinkerbell and the Lost Boys!! Remember, Michael did say he was Peter Pan.

[Newster1]

Michael Jackson's family wants an independent autopsy to determine the cause of the King of Pop's death, The Rev. Jesse Jackson said Saturday. "

Who cares what they WANT? I mean really! we all WANT stuff, but the taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for what his family WANTS! Y'all want a second autopsy? fine, pay for it in cash don't expect us to foot the bill.

[gravyboat3000]

Where does it say that tax payers are paying for the,"private", autopsy?

And, the Coroner's office charges a fee when a body is picked up, often paid by the mortuary, then reimbursed to the mortuary by the family.

[gravyboat3000]

Can anyone justify Jesse Jackon or Al Sharpton's intrusion on this familie's grief?

I hate them even more now.

As if black people can't function without their presence?

They only do harm, and no good, what so ever.

[brianbwb-2009]

The Reverend and the Jacksons have a long history together, as both were leading figures in their own ways, and their paths crossed regularly. The Jacksons helped raise money for Operation Push, the Rainbow coalition, and donated millions to the UNCF, just three of many projects in which Rev. Jackson was heavily involved, that have made positive impacts on the lives of "Black" Americans directly, and America as a whole indirectly.

It is even more apparent by your comment that you don't need this to "hate" Rev. Jackson, you would do so simply because the sun rose this morning.

You condemn him as an opportunist, but it is you who, being no one of any consequence, who use this opportunity to vent your hatred, and demonstrate your underlying racist mentality.

He is giving comfort to friends, you are spewing hate, making you and your ilk the worse opportunists.