Saturday, August 29, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Scoop on Jackson memorabilia show
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Michael Jackson’s nephew testifies at hearing
Michael Jackson’s nephew says his uncle was a consummate perfectionist who was concerned about his legacy.
Taj Jackson’s testimony at a hearing on Friday was meant to bolster his grandmother’s opposition to a proposed exhibition of the “King of Pop’s” memorabilia. The 36-year-old said his uncle had his own plans for displaying artifacts that he collected at his Neverland Estate.
Concert promoter AEG Live and the current administrators of Michael Jackson’s estate have proposed a three-city exhibition of the singer’s belongings, which would open in conjunction with the release of a movie based on his final rehearsals for his “This is It” tour.
A judge is scheduled to rule later Friday on whether the exhibition goes forward.
Katherine Jackson’s attorneys have opposed the exhibition because they say it should have been competitively bid and the estate should have a larger cut of the proceeds than the negotiated 50-50 split with AEG.
Taj Jackson was one of several witnesses called by Katherine Jackson’s attorneys, but the only one who was allowed to testify in public. Other witnesses included an accountant, an attorney and one of the estate’s executors, John Branca.
Their testimony was kept private because it included details of the proposed finances of the exhibition.
Taj Jackson said he worked for his uncle for the last year of his life, doing “whatever he wanted me to help him with.” He said the singer did not trust many people, but did trust him.
“I loved my uncle so much and I just want to do right by him,” the younger Jackson said as he took the stand. “We were very close to my uncle. He was a genius obviously.”
To show the depth of their connection, Taj Jackson said that as children he and his siblings loved Transformers toys. “He got the idea for ‘Moonwalk’ from that, he told us.”
Taj Jackson said he never attended any of the “This is It” rehearsals because “we always wanted to be surprised.” He said he thought that his uncle would have been very protective of the footage shot at those rehearsals.
He also said Michael Jackson had his own plans for displaying his memorabilia.
“At Neverland, he had a certain section for memorabilia and he had a plan for something grandiose,” he said. Taj Jackson gave no details about what that might be.
Michael Jackson?s nephew testifies at hearing - Michael Jackson- msnbc.com
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Jackson burial postponed until Sept. 3
LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson won't be laid to rest on what would have been his 51st birthday after all.
A spokesman for the Jackson family says the King of Pop's funeral has been postponed until Sept. 3, five days after the singer's birthday.
Spokesman Ken Sunshine, in a statement Friday, offered no reason for the delay.
Jackson's family had planned a private daytime service for Aug. 29. The pop superstar will now be interred in The Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn-Glendale at a private evening ceremony.
The cemetery is spread over several hills on land roughly 8 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. The mausoleum includes a stained-glass replica of Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" and replicas of Michelangelo's statues.
A spokesman for the Jackson family says the King of Pop's funeral has been postponed until Sept. 3, five days after the singer's birthday.
Spokesman Ken Sunshine, in a statement Friday, offered no reason for the delay.
Jackson's family had planned a private daytime service for Aug. 29. The pop superstar will now be interred in The Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn-Glendale at a private evening ceremony.
The cemetery is spread over several hills on land roughly 8 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. The mausoleum includes a stained-glass replica of Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" and replicas of Michelangelo's statues.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Pharmacy Raided in Michael Jackson Investigation - Crime & Courts, Michael Jackson
The Michael Jackson manslaughter investigation moved Tuesday to a Las Vegas pharmacy, where authorities searched for evidence linked to the singer's private physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, according to reports.
Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration and detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department raided Applied Pharmacy Services in a Flamingo Road strip mall and stayed for about 90 minutes, seeking documents and computer hard drives, DEA agent Mike Flanagan said.
After completing the search, agents in full masks were seen removing crates from the pharmacy, located about five miles west of the Las Vegas Strip and in between Murray's home and office. The search warrant applied to documents and other records of transactions involving Murray, according to ABC News and TMZ.
Authorities previously searched Murray's Las Vegas home and offices in Las Vegas and Houston, looking in particular for evidence of the powerful anesthesia propofol, which several reports say was given to Jackson the night before he died.
Murray, who was with Jackson when he was stricken at home, has denied giving Jackson drugs that would have killed him.
Pharmacy Raided in Michael Jackson Investigation - Crime & Courts, Michael Jackson : People.com
Michael Jackson will be buried on his 51st birthday
LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Michael Jackson will be buried Saturday, August 29, on what would have been the singer's 51st birthday, according to a statement from publicist Ken Sunshine.
Katherine Jackson has proposed she or one of her children be added as an executor to Michael's will.
The private ceremony will take place at Holly Terrace in The Great Mausoleum at Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, and "will be limited to family and close friends," the statement said.
Jackson died June 25 of cardiac arrest. The famed entertainer was 50.
Other Jackson plans have moved sluggishly. Monday, a judge delayed his approval of the exhibition agreement between concert promoter AEG Live and the Jackson estate until Friday, when he will hear testimony about why Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine Jackson, thinks it should be renegotiated.
The three-city exhibition of Jackson memorabilia could be derailed, as relations between Jackson's mother, the men Jackson named as executors of his will and the promoter of his planned comeback concerts have been challenging.
Questions surrounding Michael Jackson's death and AEG Live's role in his last days are an "obvious source of tension" as Katherine Jackson objects to the agreement, Jackson attorney Burt Levitch said.
Michael Jackson's family has "floated" the possibility of filing a wrongful-death lawsuit against AEG Live because of its "very, very active role in Michael's life during the last six months," Levitch said Monday.
Levitch said AEG Live "apparently paid for the services of Dr. Conrad Murray, who we're told is under criminal investigation in connection with the decedent's death."
Warrants used to search Murray's home and clinics indicated police were investigating his role in Jackson's June 25 death. A source with knowledge of the investigation told CNN that Murray gave the anesthetic propofol to Jackson in the 24 hours before he died.
"There's an obvious link between AEG and concerns that we have about the decedent's demise," Levitch said. "So, that's one obvious source of tension right now."
Michael Jackson will be buried on his 51st birthday - CNN.com
Jackson's doctor speaks
Jackson's doctor speaks
Michael Jackson's doctor speaks out for the first time since the death of the pop star. CNN's Ted Rowlands reports.
Michael Jackson's doctor speaks out for the first time since the death of the pop star. CNN's Ted Rowlands reports.
Michael Jackson doctor: 'I told the truth' - CNN.com
LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Dr. Conrad Murray, the physician under investigation in the death of singer Michael Jackson, said in a video posted online Tuesday that he has "faith the truth will prevail."
In Dr. Conrad Murray's video, posted on YouTube, he tells supporters he has been receiving their messages.
Murray, who was with Jackson when he died, recorded the one-minute video in Houston, Texas, on Wednesday and it posted on YouTube Tuesday, the spokeswoman for his lawyer said.
"I have done all I could do," Murray said. "I told the truth, and I have faith the truth will prevail."
The video is the first public comment by Murray since Jackson's June 25 death.
"I want to thank all of my patients and friends who have sent such kind e-mails, letters and messages to let me know of your support and prayers for me and my family," Murray said. Watch the statement from Jackson's doctor »
"Because of all that is going on, I am afraid to return phone calls or use my e-mail. Therefore, I recorded this video to let all of you know that I have been receiving your messages," he said.
Murray, a cardiologist, owned and operated two medical clinics -- in Las Vegas, Nevada, and in Houston -- but he took a full-time job as Jackson's personal doctor in May as the pop singer prepared for his comeback concerts scheduled to start in July.
He was at Jackson's Los Angeles home when the entertainer was found unconscious and rushed to a hospital.
In Dr. Conrad Murray's video, posted on YouTube, he tells supporters he has been receiving their messages.
Murray, who was with Jackson when he died, recorded the one-minute video in Houston, Texas, on Wednesday and it posted on YouTube Tuesday, the spokeswoman for his lawyer said.
"I have done all I could do," Murray said. "I told the truth, and I have faith the truth will prevail."
The video is the first public comment by Murray since Jackson's June 25 death.
"I want to thank all of my patients and friends who have sent such kind e-mails, letters and messages to let me know of your support and prayers for me and my family," Murray said. Watch the statement from Jackson's doctor »
"Because of all that is going on, I am afraid to return phone calls or use my e-mail. Therefore, I recorded this video to let all of you know that I have been receiving your messages," he said.
Murray, a cardiologist, owned and operated two medical clinics -- in Las Vegas, Nevada, and in Houston -- but he took a full-time job as Jackson's personal doctor in May as the pop singer prepared for his comeback concerts scheduled to start in July.
He was at Jackson's Los Angeles home when the entertainer was found unconscious and rushed to a hospital.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Michael Jackson's three children are getting their own lawyer
LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Michael Jackson's three children are getting their own lawyer because the judge overseeing the probate of Jackson's will is concerned their interests might sometimes conflict with their grandmother's.
Katherine Jackson has accused the executors of her son Michael's estate of "keeping her in the dark."
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff delayed for a week his decision on whether to approve several contracts for the estate to give the children's new lawyer -- whom he will appoint -- time to weigh in on the deals.
Lawyers for the estate and the companies involved warned the judge delaying the deals could cost the estate millions of dollars.
The delayed contracts would provide for Jackson tribute concerts in London, England, starting next July, and an exhibition of Jackson memorabilia that would travel to at least three cities, according to Kathy Jorrie, a lawyer for concert promoter AEG Live.
"The longer we wait, the more time passes, frankly, the less interest there will be on the part of the public to come see it," Jorrie said.
The judge has already approved a contract to allow Columbia Pictures to use video AEG Live shot of Jackson's last rehearsals for a documentary due out this fall. Columbia is a division of Sony.
Sony Pictures issued a news release Monday announcing it would deliver the movie -- "This Is It" -- to theaters starting October 30 "with the full support of The Estate of Michael Jackson."
The film "will be drawn from hundreds of hours of rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage, captured in high definition with state-of-the-art digital sound as the late singer was preparing for his concert series in London," Sony said. "The film, which will also offer select sequences in 3D, will provide a unique career retrospective and feature interviews with some of Jackson's closest friends and creative collaborators."
Burt Levitch, attorney for Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine, told the judge she was concerned that Jackson's three children might be included in the video, which is now in AEG Live's possession.
Jorrie said the original contract between Jackson and AEG Live for his 50 London shows gave the company a share in the concert video profits. But Levitch said that agreement did not cover rehearsal video.
A delay in the judge's approval of a new contract between the estate and AEG, which includes sharing rehearsal video profits, should not affect the movie deal, according to a lawyer involved in the film agreement.
Court papers filed last week revealed Columbia Pictures would pay a minimum of $60 million for the rights to make the Jackson movie.
Katherine Jackson's lawyers, while endorsing the movie deal, have objected to terms given to AEG, saying it is too generous to the company.
Katherine Jackson's lawyers objected to the estate's agreement to let AEG recover all its expenses from that money and then take 10 percent of the remainder. It also gives the company a perpetual share of the profits from the video rights.
AEG Live's lawyer said the company has already made many concessions to the estate and could not make more.
Howard Weitzman, a lawyer for the men who now control the estate, told the judge the contracts were "aggressively negotiated and reflect the exhaustion of all parties on give and take, and greatly benefit the estate."
"I don't believe there is room for more negotiation," he said.
The judge previously has said he may approve the contracts even over Katherine Jackson's objection.
Jermaine Jackson, Michael Jackson's older brother, told CNN's Larry King last week that he likes the deals, which he said could bring in nearly $100 million into the estate.
Katherine Jackson and Jackson's three children are the main beneficiaries of the estate, which is controlled by Jackson's former lawyer, John Branca, and longtime Jackson friend and music executive John McClain.
Branca and McClain were named in Jackson's will as executors. Katherine Jackson is considering a challenge of their control of the estate.
The decision to name a 'guardian ad litem,' or lawyer appointed by the court, for the children came at the end of Monday's hearing.
Katherine Jackson was appointed last week as the guardian for the children, but she was not made the guardian for their interest in her son's estate.
Entertainment News - Movie, TV, Music and Book - Reviews and Gossip - CNN.com
Saturday, August 8, 2009
The Real Joe Jackson
Joe Jackson has long been considered 'the villain' of the Jackson family, at least in the public eye. A new reality show hopes to change that. Producer Lisa Love talks about her new Joe Jackson reality project.
Michael Jackson Tell all Book
Michael Jackson Tell-All Book From: tvguide | Michael Jackson: The Magic, The Madness, The Whole Story by J. Randy Taraborrelli shares the author's account of over 30 years of a professional association with Jackson. He talks about when he first knew about MJ's addiction. He also talks about his desire to perform for his kids on tour. Get the 'whole story' here.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Video - Breaking News Videos Jackson judge 'did the right thing'
Jackson judge 'did the right thing' 1:44
The attorney representing one of the men who controls Michael Jackson's estate praises the judge's custody ruling.
The attorney representing one of the men who controls Michael Jackson's estate praises the judge's custody ruling.
Katherine Jackson get's custody
Nancy Grace Producers give the latest news in major stories and cases, including murdered tot Caylee Anthony. Check back for frequent updates.
Monday, August 3, 2009
5:55 PM ET - The hearing over Michael Jackson's empire and custody of his children has ended for the day. The judge is considering Katherine Jackson's motion to depose the executors of Michael Jackson's estate under oath. Katherine Jackson's lawyers want more information from the executors, including their previous business dealings with the late King of Pop, to determine whether they are adequate to administer the estate. In the meantime, the executors will continue to be special administrators of the estate for another 60 days. The next hearing is set for Monday, Aug.10.
5 PM ET - We've just obtained private home video of Michael Jackson and his children. It's an inside look at Jackson playing with his kids, singing, dancing and celebrating their birthdays. Tune in tonight, 8pm ET, to see the compelling, personal Michael Jackson home videos. (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
3 PM ET - Katherine Jackson will get copies of Michael Jackson's contracts with the promoter of his planned concert tour. The contracts have been a bone of contention between Katherine Jackson the executors of her son's estate. Mrs. Jackson has agreed to keep the contract provisions confidential. (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
2:45 PM ET - After a 1 hour and 40 minute recess, a hearing inside a Los Angeles courtroom over Michael Jackson's estate and custody of his children is set to resume. At issue now will be motions by Katherine Jackson over control of her last son's music empire, estimated in Jackson's 2002 will at $500 million. Katherine, LaToya, Rebbie and Randy Jackson are all inside the courtroom. (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
1 PM ET - Katherine Jackson gets permanent custody of Michael Jackson's 3 children. A judge appointing grandmother Katherine the permanent guardian of 12 year old Michael Joseph Jr. and 11 year old Paris Katherine Jackson. Both children signed consents to the agreement. Another hearing is set for Oct. 2 to follow up on some remaining guardianship issues. The judge also gives Katherine Jackson the full amount of allowance she requested. Jackson's children will receive 83.5% of the allowance requested on their behalf. The judge turned down money on one item ruled excessive. The allowance amount was not disclosed and the order remains sealed. Another hearing on the allowance matter is set for Jan 11. Katherine Jackson is in court today along with children Rebbie, LaToya and Randy. (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
Noon ET - A hearing is underway in a Los Angeles courtroom concerning Michael Jackson's estate and a custody agreement concerning his children. (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
Friday, July 31, 2009
3:21 PM ET - Sources connected to the Michael Jackson death probe reveal Dr. Conrad Murray, Jackson's private doctor, is the central focus of a federal investigation. Although authorities have subpoenaed records of multiple doctors who treated Jackson, a source reveals Dr. Murray is the "only one we're looking at". We also learn investigators found numerous prescription drugs in Jackson's Holmby Hills mansion. (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
Thursday, July 30, 2009
8:19 PM ET - Search warrants from Las Vegas raids connected to Michael Jackson's private doctor reveal investigators were searching for evidence of the powerful anesthetic Propofol. We also learn Jackson allegedly had about 19 aliases he used to get prescriptions. The warrants also suggest investigators believe Jackson was 'an addict'.(From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
5:03 PM ET - With custody of Michael Jackson's 3 children resolved, pending a judge's approval, the battle of Jackson's empire heats up. Katherine Jackson is set to square off with the executors of her late son's estate. While her lawyer says Katherine Jackson has no desire to "re-write" her son's will, she does want to be more closely involved with business decisions concerning Michael Jackson's estate. As far as we know, a court hearing is still set for Monday. (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
2:05 PM ET - Lawyers for Katherine Jackson and Debbie Rowe announce they will present their custody agreement to a Los Angeles judge, expecting approval. Katherine Jackson will be the guardian of Michael Jackson's 3 children. Debbie Rowe will have visitation with Jackson's 2 oldest children. The amount of visitation will be determined by a psychologist both parties agree on. The announcement confirms no money will exchange hands and reveals Rowe will continue to receive spousal support payments previously set up between her and Michael Jackson. In a statement both parties say "Mrs. Jackson and the family are pleased this matter is resolved and was handled in a caring, thoughtful and courteous manner by the parties and their representatives. We were all united in our goals to do what is best for Michael's wonderful children, and both Mrs. Jackson and Debbie Rowe were on the exact same page." (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
12:56 PM ET - Debbie Rowe and Katherine Jackson have reached an agreement concerning custody of Michael Jackson's 3 children. A source tells CNN Katherine Jackson will get full custody and Debbie Rowe will get visitation. No money is involved in the deal. An official announcement on the agreement is expected shortly. (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
5:23 PM ET - Lawyers for Michael Jackson's mother have filed court motions seeking more critical information from the special administrators of Jackson's estate. According to the documents, Katherine Jackson's lawyers want to interview the executors and comb over their records. A statement from Katherine Jackson's lawyer says grandmother Katherine is not trying to rewrite her son's will and is only looking out for the best interest of Michael Jackson's 3 children and his legacy. (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
3:55 PM ET - According to court documents, Michael Jackson's private doctor was in serious financial straits before he took a $150,000 a month job working for the music superstar. Dr. Conrad Murray had nearly $435,000 in judgments and liens against him over the past 2 years. At the time Murray had practices in Las Vegas and Houston. His patients were surprised when he announced he was leaving to work with the music icon. Dr. Murray has been the target of multiple searches by law enforcement. A source reveals Murray administered the powerful anesthetic, Diprivan, that authorities believe killed Jackson. (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
3:31 PM ET - A DEA spokesman says investigators are "looking for a lot of things" during searches of the home and office of Michael Jackson's private doctor. Although the warrants are sealed, the DEA confirms documents and computer records are among the items they are interested in. This makes it at least the 4th raid connected to Dr. Conrad Murray. Are investigators closing in on Jackson's private doctor and will criminal charges be next? (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
1:32 PM ET - DEA agents, LAPD and Las Vegas police are executing search warrants at the Las Vegas home and office of Michael Jackson's private doctor, Dr. Conrad Murray. The raids come on the heels of sources revealing to CNN that Dr. Murray gave Jackson the powerful sedative, Diprivan, that authorities believe killed Jackson. Murray's lawyer just released a statement saying "It's a waste of time responding to all these timed 'leaks' from 'anonymous' sources. I feel like a horse swatting flies. Everyone needs to take a breath and wait for these long delayed toxicology results. I have no doubt they want to make a case -- for goodness sakes, its Michael Jackson! But things tend to shake out when all the facts are made known, and I'm sure that will happen here as well." (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
Monday, July 27, 2009
7:38 PM ET - Sources confirm to CNN the drug authorities believe Dr. Conrad Murray gave Michael Jackson, resulting in his death, was the powerful sedative Diprivan, a.k.a. Propofol. (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
7 PM ET - Big development! CNN confirms from a source inside the Michael Jackson investigation that Jackson's private doctor, Dr. Conrad Murray, administered the powerful drug that killed Jackson. Murray and his lawyers are not commenting on this report. The autopsy results are set to be released this week. (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
5:55 PM ET - We've heard about potential security breaches concerning Michael Jackson's death certificate. Now investigators are looking into possible leaks from inside the Los Angeles County coroner's office. This, after in-depth details about Jackson's body emerged in the days after his sudden death. The sheriff is working a preliminary inquiry to determine whether there will be a full scale investigation. Reports reveal Jackson's death certificate was accessed hundreds of times. (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
5:06 PM ET - Are biological mom Debbie Rowe and Katherine Jackson working on an agreement behind closed doors concerning Michael Jackson's 3 children? According to Jackson family attorney Londell McMillan, there will be an announcement on the matter very soon. McMillan says he is confident both sides can reach an agreement before the scheduled Aug. 3 hearing. (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
Friday, July 24, 2009
5:29 PM ET - Will one big paper trail lead to manslaughter charges in the sudden death of music superstar Michael Jackson? As the investigation reportedly leans more and more towards homicide, search warrants indicate reams of documents could be key in the Jackson death probe. With e-mails, letters, and FedEx information seized by law enforcement, will this and other information in Dr. Conrad Murray's files reveal an abuse of prescription drugs ultimately leading to Jackson's death? Sources also reveal the late King of Pop used several aliases to get prescriptions. Will any of the fake names show up in the files of several doctors authorities are reportedly investigating? (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
2:36 PM ET - The private doctor with Michael Jackson the day the music superstar died has now become the focus of a death investigation. According to search warrants that cleared the way for the DEA, LAPD and Houston police to swarm Dr. Conrad Murray's office and his storage unit, investigators were on the hunt for evidence of manslaughter. The multi-law enforcement agencies zeroed in on the two Houston locations for hours and here's just a few of the laundry list of items they seized:
-Rolodex cards
-Fed Ex info
-E-mails
-Storage receipts
-Multiple computer hard drives and a forensic image from a separate business computer
-2 vials of drugs, including appetite suppressants and a muscle relaxant
-Notices from the IRS
(From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
Thursdsy, July 23, 2009
5:02 PM ET - Reports are the Jackson family will file a wrongful death lawsuit regardless of what happens in the criminal investigation. The Jackson's have openly called Michael Jackson's death foul play and reportedly they want justice. Meantime, lawyers for Michael Jackson's estate have asked an LA judge to approve allowance for the main beneficiaries in Jackson's will, his 3 children and their grandmother Katherine Jackson. A hearing is set for Aug.3. Dollar amounts have not been disclosed at this time. (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
3:21 PM ET - The probe into Michael Jackson's death is heating up. Investigators are now searching for evidence of manslaughter. This according to a lawyer for Michael Jackson's private doctor who confirms detectives have raided Dr. Conrad Murray's Houston office. And now reports are investigators want to meet with Murray for a 3rd time. (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
1:34 PM ET - The investigation surrounding Michael Jackson's sudden death intensifies. We have just confirmed the DEA and LAPD raiding the Houston, Texas office of the private doctor with Jackson the day the music icon collapses at his Holmby Hills home. A spokesperson for Dr. Conrad Murray's lawyer says they were "caught off guard" by the surprise search, but will fully cooperate with investigators. (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
6:25 PM ET - Has the secret location of Michael Jackson's body been found? Reports emerge Jackson's body is now under tight security at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. But burial plans appear to be on hold. The Jackson family is still reportedly squabbling over the late music icon's final resting place. Meantime, father Joe Jackson denies abusing or beating his son. (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
Monday, July 20, 2009
5:42 PM ET - A senior law enforcement source tell the LA Times that Jackson's death is unlikely to result in murder charges against any of his doctors. The official says 3 weeks into the case, investigators from the LAPD, the county coroner's office, the DA's office and the DEA remain "so far away" from concluding their investigation. The source admits that if the toxicology report indicates Jackson's death was caused by propofol, the dangerous drug reportedly found in Jackson's bedroom, that prosecutors could bring charges against doctors or others involved in giving him the drug. The official tells the LA Times prosecutors have discussed a range of possible charges in that scenario "all the way up to involuntary manslaughter". Jackson's doctors could also face charges for using fake names on prescriptions or for illegally supplying Jackson with medication, such as in the case of Anna Nicole Smith. (From Matt Zarrell, Nancy Grace Producer)
Thursday, July 16, 2009
4:58 PM ET - California Attorney General Jerry Brown told Reuters his office has run dozens of doctors' names, some of them thought to be aliases, through its prescription drug database to aid police investigating Jackson's death. Brown admitted they've found some things, but noted its "early on" and refused to elaborate. Brown's office monitors all over-the-counter prescription transactions in California, using a database that contains the name of each doctor, patient, medication, and quantity. (From Matt Zarrell, Nancy Grace Producer)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
4:30 PM ET - In an interview with ABC news, father Joe Jackson claims he never "beat" his pop superstar son. Joe goes on to claim that everyone spanked their kids when they did wrong, and mom Katherine spanked Jackson more than he did. Joe Jackson has previously admitted to whipping Jackson with a switch and belt, but says he has no regrets about how he raised his son. Michael Jackson in the past has said he was "terrified" to be near his father. (From Matt Zarrell, Nancy Grace Producer)
3:41 PM ET - The LAPD is denying a report from TMZ.com that authorities are already treating Jackson's death as a homicide case. The website claims, through law enforcement sources, that the focus of the homicide probe is Michael Jackson's cardiologist, Dr. Conrad Murray. TMZ says sources tell them that there is already plenty of powerful evidence linking Dr. Murray as the person who administered the drug to Jackson that ultimately killed him. A spokesperson with the LAPD says as of now it is not a homicide investigation, and they don't know where the website was getting their information from. (From Matt Zarrell, Nancy Grace Producer)
Monday, July 13, 2009
6:30 PM ET - Has a custody deal for Michael Jackson's children been already reached? The British tabloid The Mirror reports Katherine Jackson and Debbie Rowe have come to an agreement under which Rowe would not pursue custody of the children, in exchange for visitation...and a guarantee that Joe Jackson is not involved in raising the children. Sources tell the Mirror that as part of the arrangement, Rowe would not identify herself to the children as their mother, but as a family friend. Both sides refuse to comment on the unconfirmed report. (From Matt Zarrell, Nancy Grace Producer)
3:52 PM ET - In an exclusive interview with the British tabloid News of the World, Michael Jackson's sister LaToya allegedly claims Michael was murdered. LaToya allegedly claims it was not just one person involved, but a conspiracy of people who teamed together to get Michael's money. La Toya allegedly states Jackson was fed a series of addictive drugs to keep him submissive and controlled, was kept from his family by manipulative people who blocked their visits, and was robbed of 2 million cash and gems as he was dying. La Toya also reportedly goes through the scene at Jackson's home when she arrived, describing multiple oxygen tanks, empty pill bottles, and 2 bags full of prescription drugs inside the home. HLN cannot confirm LaToya Jackson's comments. (From Matt Zarrell, Nancy Grace Producer)
2:24 PM ET - TMZ reports that as far back as 1993, Michael Jackson was allegedly using aliases to obtain prescription drugs for himself. According Joe Jeszeck, an employee at Neverland Ranch, Jackson would ask him to go to a pharmacy and pick up prescriptions for him, sometimes the prescriptions were in someone else's name. Jeszneck tells TMZ some pharmacies wouldn't release the medication to him since the medications were not in his name. Jackson would then reportedly call the doctor and have the name changed to the employee who was picking the medication up. (From Matt Zarrell, Nancy Grace Producer)
Friday, July 10, 2009
5:01 PM ET - CNN obtains a secret document revealing Michael Jackson took up to 40 Xanax pills a night. The 2004 document points to a potential history of drug use by the music icon. Former bodyguards told Santa Barbara County sheriffs that Jackson asked his employees to fill prescriptions for him in their names. Jackson even traveling to doctors in other states to get his hands on drugs. The confidential document names 5 doctors in California, New York and Florida. This as the investigation into Jackson's sudden death ramps up. Authorities confirm the probe can turn into a criminal case. Sources reveal multiple subpoenas were issued to doctors. (From Stacey Newman, Nancy Grace Producer)
Nancy Grace Blog - CNN.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)