Jackson's Death a Homicide, Coroner Rules

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- The Los
Angeles County coroner has ruled that
Michael Jackson's death was a homicide
involving a combination of drugs.

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"The drugs propofol and lorazepam were
found to be the primary drugs responsible
for Mr. Jackson's death," said a news
release issued Friday by the coroner.
"Other drugs detected were: midazolam,
diazepam, lidocaine and ephedrine."

The release said Jackson died from
"acute propofol intoxication," but said
"other conditions contributing
to death: benzodiazepine effect."

Lorazepam, midazolam and diazepam
are benzodiazepines.

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A lawyer for Jackson's personal
physician criticized the coroner for
releasing only a brief summary of his
findings, saying it contained
"nothing new" and had "all the
earmarks of police gamesmanship."
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