Jackson Family Attempted Drug Interventions; Docs Turn Over Records
As cops probe doctors, family says Jackson was addicted to prescription drugs.
July 10, 2009— -- As investigators determine whether prescription drugs played a role in Michael Jackson's death, a number of Jackson's doctors have turned over the performer's medical records, according to the Los Angeles coroner's office.
But until all the records are reviewed and the toxicology reports are back, the Los Angeles Police Department has no way of knowing the nature of any death investigation.
"We are gathering a lot of information, evidence in anticipation of the coroner's report," Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton told ABC News today.
"Until we come back with his report as to the cause of death, we're not saying anything about it."
Bratton said he'll make public specific details of the LAPD investigation once the coroner's office releases its report in as little as a week.
Meanwhile, sources close to Jackson said his family and friends had long known of his drug abuse and twice attempted interventions in the past four years.
Police have confirmed a laundry list of drugs were found inside the Los Angeles rental home where Jackson died June 25, revealing to the public what his family has known for years -- Michael Jackson was a drug addict.
Another close confidant told "Good Morning America" that Jackson's friends and family attempted to intervene in 2003 but were thwarted when the singer was accused of child molestation.
"We all came together, figuring as a group maybe we could sit down with him. Unfortunately, we never got that opportunity," said Marc Schaffel, a former Jackson friend.
Jackson's drug abuse did not come as a surprise to his fans. In 1993, he released a statement admitting that he would enter rehab to get off the drugs he had been hooked on since enduring burns to his scalp while filming a Pepsi commercial.
"I remain out of the country. I have been undergoing treatment for dependency on pain medication. This medication was initially prescribed to sooth the excruciating pain that I was suffering after recent reconstructive surgery on my scalp," the singer said at the time in a statement.
The Web site TMZ is reporting that the 2003 police raid on Jackson's home, Neverland Ranch, revealed painkillers, sedatives, vials and syringes.
A former business manager told "GMA" that associates who tried to bring up Jackson's addiction with the singer were pushed away or fired.
Related Stories
ABC News Live