'Lethal sedative levels in Jackson'

Aug 24 2009

Michael Jackson's body contained lethal levels of a powerful sedative at the time of his death, court documents have revealed.

A search warrant made public in Houston disclosed that a high dosage of the anaesthetic propofol was in the late singer's system when he died at his rented Los Angeles property on June 25.

Police investigating Jackson's death have reportedly been working on the theory that the singer's personal doctor, Conrad Murray, administered the medication to help Jackson sleep hours before he collapsed.

It was also reported that the Los Angeles County coroner had ruled Jackson's death a homicide. The Associated Press cited a law enforcement official as its source.

Captain John Kades, of the coroner's department, said he was not in a position to confirm or deny the report.

He added: "We have not released any information on the Jackson case. We do not know where this information is coming from."