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Michael Jackson’s death ruled a homicide

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The following is an excerpt from the full Times story covering the coroner’s determination:

The Los Angeles County coroner’s office has officially ruled Michael Jackson’s death a homicide and determined that a surgical anesthetic combined with other medication killed him.

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In a one-page statement, officials listed the cause of Jackson’s June 25 death as ‘acute propofol intoxication’ with the additional factor of ‘benzodiazepine effect.’

Three different sedatives that fall into the benzodiazepine drug class were in Jackson’s system, but only the anti-anxiety medication lorazepam, often known by the brand name Ativan, was cited alongside propofol as ‘the primary drugs responsible for Mr. Jackson’s death.’

Jackson’s personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, has acknowledged administering both medications to Jackson in the hours leading up to his death, according to search warrant affidavits.

Read the rest of the story: Jackson’s death ruled homicide

-- Richard Winton and Harriet Ryan

Click for all Times coverage of Michael Jackson.

This June 25, 1997 file photo shows pop artist Michael Jackson performing at Stade Gerland in Lyon, France. Pop icon Michael Jackson died June 25, 2009. Credit: PASCAL GEORGE/AFP/Getty Images

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