Michael Jackson’s father insisted today that “foul play” had been involved in the singer’s death.
Joe Jackson made the claim in a US TV interview, but would not give any further details.
Meanwhile Los Angeles police chief William Bratton refused to rule out any possible cause, including homicide, and said the coroner’s report into Jackson’s death would be his guide.
Police are looking at his prescription drug history and trying to talk with his numerous former doctors, Mr Bratton said.
He said he was waiting for the coroner’s report before ruling out any possibilities in the “comprehensive” investigation into the sudden death of the 50-year-old pop star two weeks ago.
The report will determine the cause of death and hinges on time-consuming toxicology tests.
“Based on those we’ll have an idea of what we’re dealing with,” Mr Bratton said. “Are we dealing with homicide? Are we dealing with an accidental overdose? What are we dealing with?”
Mr Bratton said detectives were gathering evidence, including items seized from Jackson’s rented Bel Air mansion and arranging interviews with his doctors, but the police chief deferred to the coroner to determine the cause of death.
“The next move really is his,” Mr Bratton said.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the state attorney general’s office, which keeps a database of prescription drugs, are assisting investigators.
A lawyer for Dr Arnold Klein, one of Jackson's many doctors, told the Los Angeles Timesthat the dermatologist was subpoenaed for medical records, which he turned over to the county coroner's office.
Jackson had a history of using prescription medications, especially painkillers. Following his death, Cherilyn Lee, a registered nurse who had worked for Jackson, said she repeatedly rejected his demands for the potent anaesthetic Diprivan, also known as Propofol.
Jackson had multiple doctors, friends and staff who came in and out of his life. Which people were being interviewed by police was unclear because the LAPD has said virtually nothing about the investigation.
Joe Jackson said he did not know anything about drugs his son was involved in.
“I don’t even know the name of them,” he said. “I do know that whatever he was taking was to make him rest because he had been working so hard.”
Police towed a doctor’s car from Jackson’s home hours after he 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.
Meanwhile, Joe Jackson told ABC that he and his wife, Katherine, should have custody of Michael’s three children. “They’ll grow up to be strong Jacksons,” he said.
He said Michael’s daughter, Paris, who spoke at Tuesday’s memorial service, was taking the death hard and was crying whenever Michael’s name is mentioned.
He said that she might have a future in the entertainment business along with the youngest son, nicknamed Blanket, who “can really dance”.
AP