Foul play possible in Michael Jackson's death, Joe Jackson says

Michael Jackson's father said in an interview Thursday that he is concerned that "foul play" may have been involved in his son's death.

"I just couldn't believe what was happening to Michael," Jackson told ABC News. "I do believe it was foul play. I do believe that. Yes." Jackson said the family wants to know why Michael Jackson died suddenly at age 50 and that a private autopsy so far has not revealed any answers.

The L.A. County coroner's office is awaiting toxicology results before listing a cause of death. The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding his death and whether prescription drugs may have played a role.

Sources have told The Times that detectives recovered numerous prescription drugs from Jackson's home, including a powerful anesthetic that is normally used only at hospitals during operations.

Officials have also sought records from several Jackson doctors. But LAPD officials have stressed it is still unclear whether any crime was committed, and that the final autopsy findings will be key.

Michael Jackson had a somewhat contentious relationship with Joe Jackson, who told ABC that he would like a role in raising the pop star's children.

story by Los Angeles Times
written by Shelby Grad of the Los Angeles Times