Jackson’s doctor ‘in no way a suspect’ in death

MICHAEL JACKSON’S doctor, Conrad Murray, has met with police in Los Angeles and “is in no way a suspect”, his spokeswoman has claimed.

She said Dr Murray, accompanied by his attorney, Ed Chernoff, spoke to officers for three hours and “answered every and all questions asked by LAPD in an attempt to help piece together the mysteries surrounding the death of Michael Jackson”.

“During the meeting Dr Murray helped identify the circumstances around the death and clarified some inconsistencies.

“Dr Murray has been in Los Angeles since the death of Mr Jackson. He rode in the ambulance to the hospital and stayed at the hospital for hours comforting the Jackson family. Investigators say the doctor is in no way a suspect and remains a witness to this tragedy.

“Dr Murray will continue to co-operate fully with the authorities and asks that all keep the Jackson family in their prayers.”

She added Dr Murray was hired by the star to accompany him on his forthcoming concert tour to Britain and would remain in Los Angeles as long as his assistance is needed.

There were reports in the LA Times last night that a private pathologist hired by the Jackson family had completed a second autopsy on Saturday. The first official examination was completed on Friday.

A statement released by the singer’s family described his death as “one of the darkest moments of our lives”.

Part of the statement, attributed by the People Magazine in the US to the singer’s father, Joseph Jackson, read: “Our beloved son, brother and father of three children has gone so unexpectedly, in such a tragic way and much too soon. It leaves us, his family, speechless and devastated to a point, where communication with the outside world seems almost impossible.”

Mr Jackson added the singer’s children were “deeply moved” by the love and support shown to them.

The Jackson family have gathered at their home in Encino, Los Angeles, to discuss funeral arrangements and care for his three children. They and are reported to be searching for answers about the singer’s last days amid reports he received a shot of the powerful painkiller, Demerol, shortly before his death and claims he regularly took a cocktail of prescription drugs.

A family friend said the Jacksons wanted to know more about the role AEG, the promoters of the singer’s planned British concerts, was playing in his life before his death.