Pop star Michael Jackson's death was a homicide caused by acute intoxication from the drug propofol and other conditions, the Los Angeles Country Coroner said today.
The coroner said in a statement that propofol, a powerful anaesthetic, and the sedative lorazepam were the primary drugs responsible for Jackson's death.
Other drugs detected in his system were midazolam, diazepam, lidocaine and ephedrine.
The list reads like a cocktail of sedatives, painkillers and one stimulant. Midazolam is a sedative similar to propofol, used to make patients drowsy but not unconscious during procedures such as colonoscopies.
Diazepam, the generic version of valium, is used to calm anxiety, while lidocaine is a painkiller and ephedrine is a stimulant.
The coroner said the complete toxicology report remains sealed at the request of the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney.
The coroner's report is the first official statement that the singer's death has been ruled homicide.
Los Angeles police said tonight they will refer their investigation into the death of Michael Jackson to local prosecutors to consider whether to file criminal charges.
In a statement, the Los Angeles Police Department said the investigation into the singer's death is ongoing and that it will continue working with state and federal authorities until it concludes the investigation.
Officials have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the singer, who died on June 25th after suffering cardiac arrest at his Los Angeles mansion.
The investigation has centered on prescription drugs Jackson had in his system, and it has focused on several doctors who were caring for the singer when he died, particularly his personal physician, Dr Conrad Murray.
Warrants used to search Dr Murray's office have said he is the subject of a manslaughter investigation.
Reuters