Sleep aids blamed for death

LOS ANGELES -- Michael Jackson's death was a homicide caused primarily by the powerful anesthetic propofol and another sedative, the Los Angeles County coroner's office announced Friday.

The coroner's office determined the cause of death was "acute propofol intoxication." Lorazepam, another sedative sold under the name Ativan, contributed to the death.

Additional drugs detected in Jackson's system were the sedatives midazolam and diazepam, the painkiller lidocaine and the stimulant ephedrine.

The coroner did not release Jackson's full autopsy report, citing a security hold requested by Los Angeles authorities investigating the case.

The 50-year-old Jackson died June 25 at his rented Los Angeles mansion. Dr. Conrad Murray, the Las Vegas cardiologist who was Jackson's personal physician, told police he gave Jackson propofol that morning after sedatives failed to help Jackson sleep.

Murray has not been charged with any crime but is the target of what police term a manslaughter investigation.

Multiple search warrants served at his home and businesses in Las Vegas and Houston sought evidence detailing how he procured the propofol that killed Jackson.

Jackson's interactions with at least six other doctors also are being scrutinized. California Attorney General Jerry Brown has opened an independent investigation of several physicians.

Except for a brief video posted to YouTube earlier this month, Murray has not spoken publicly since Jackson's death. In the video, he said: "I told the truth and I have faith the truth will prevail."

Murray's attorney, Edward Chernoff, said he was disappointed the full autopsy report wasn't released. Without that, it was impossible to seek independent expert opinion on the significance of the various drugs detected.

"Release the toxicology report, the whole thing. Sunlight is the best disinfectant," Chernoff said. "This smells like gamesmanship."

Chernoff repeated his assertion that nothing Murray gave Jackson "should have" killed him.

It's not clear when the full report may be released.