Jackson doctor 'to face negligence prosecution'

A law enforcement source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation remains open, said that Dr Conrad Murray would be prosecuted on a theory of gross negligence, alleging his treatment of Jackson was an extreme departure from the standard of care normally followed by physicians.

The coroner has ruled Jackson's death at the age of 50 a homicide caused by acute intoxication of the powerful anaesthetic propofol with other sedatives a contributing factor.

Propofol depresses breathing and the heart rate and lowers blood pressure and should be administered by an anaesthesia professional in a medical setting.

The coroner found the propofol was administered to Jackson without any medical need and recommended resuscitation equipment was missing. The singer was found to be in relatively good health for a man his age and no illegal drugs were detected in his system.

Dr Murray, a cardiologist, was with the star at his rented Los Angeles mansion in June and tried to revive him when he was found unconscious.

A spokeswoman in Houston for Murray and his lawyer, Edward Chernoff, said yesterday the doctor had no comment and reiterated that Murray neither prescribed nor administered anything that should have killed Michael Jackson.

Jackson died while under Murray's care as he prepared for an ambitious concert schedule.

The district attorney's office is waiting for Los Angeles police to turn over the case before presenting it to a grand jury, the law enforcement source said.

A spokeswoman for the district attorney's office, however, denied that any decisions have been made.

"We have been working closely with the Los Angeles police during this investigation," spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons said. "There is no case before us at present and no final decision has been made."

To prove a charge of involuntary manslaughter, authorities must show there was a reckless action that created a risk of death or great bodily injury. If a doctor is aware of the risk, there might also be an issue of whether the patient knows that risk and decided to take it.

A large number of witnesses have been interviewed, including those who were present during Jackson's last days and those who worked with him in preparation for his comeback concert.