Focus Shifting To Drugs In Jackson's Death
Saturday, as moving vans and boxes added to the crush at Michael Jackson's rented Holmby Hills mansion, and as his family members gathered at their suburban L.A. compound, investigators increasingly are focusing on the role prescription drugs may have played in his death, reports CBS News correspondent Bill Whitaker.
While the L.A. coroner says it'll take weeks to confirm the cause of death, tabloids and Jackson associates aren't waiting. Banner headlines on the front pages of the tabloid London Sun and the New York Post, citing unnamed sources, declare that Jackson took a daily cocktail of narcotics, including Demerol, Dilaudid, Vicodin, Xanax and Paxil.
A pharmacy in Beverly Hills sued Jackson two years ago, claiming the entertainer owed more than $100,000 for prescription drugs. His family and friends have long been concerned.
J. Randy Taraborelli, biographer and CBS News consultant said family and friends concerned for years.
"It's been a long, ongoing problem," Taraborelli said.
Police want to question Dr. Conrad Murray, Jackson's live-in physician, about Jackson's drug use. Dr. Murry, whose car was impounded by L.A. police for investigation, was with Jackson when the singer collapsed - he's the doctor mentioned in the 911 call.
In the call, the caller said, "He's not breathing."
"Did anybody witness what happen?" the dispatcher asked.
"Just the doctor, sir, the doctor has been the only one here," the caller said. "Yes, he works here."
Murray, a cardiologist, has practices in several states, including a Houston clinic, and a trail of financial troubles, including tax liens and real estate lawsuits for more than $1 million.
Another unanswered question: the fate of Jackson's three young children, currently in the care of the singer's mother, Katherine. Jackson's business associate says the singer asked him to care for the youngest child.
"He asked me, if anything happened to him, if I would become the godfather and parent to Prince Michael," said Al Malnik.
Jackson's former wife, Debbie Rowe, the mother of the older two, recently had asked the courts to restore her parental rights.
"The children do not know who she is, not exactly, you could probably count on one hand the amount of times she was actually with the children and that they shared any time at all together," Taraborelli said.
Rev. Al Sharpton said the family is considering a number of celebrations around the world around to celebrate the life of Michael Jackson. And an indication of just how serious drug investigation has become - Dr. Murray has hired a high-powered law firm to represent him.
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
