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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

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Michael Jackson reportedly died of lethal propofol injection

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Michael Jackson reportedly died of lethal propofol injection
Michael Jackson reportedly died of lethal propofol injection

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that records show Michael Jackson died of lethal levels of a powerful anesthetic. KPCC’s Frank Stoltze has more.

The paper reports that a search warrant unsealed in Houston shows the L.A County coroner found lethal levels of propofol in Jackson’s body.

Doctor Conrad Murray has acknowledged giving Jackson the powerful anesthetic for insomnia. The latest court records say Murray told police he’d worried that Jackson was forming an addiction and gave him valium, lorazepam, and midazolam instead.

Murray reportedly told police that when none of the drugs worked on the morning Jackson died, the pop star demanded propofol. The doctor administered it using an intravenous line at 10:40 a.m., and left Jackson’s room to make phone calls.

When he came back, Jackson was not breathing. LAPD investigators are looking at whether Murray was negligent in administering propofol as a sleep aid outside a hospital setting, and whether he can be charged with involuntary manslaughter.

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