In the United States, a Los Angeles coroners has declared the death of pop star Michael Jackson, who died two months ago, a homicide. In the US, ' homicide'  refers to the killing of one person by another and includes manslaughter and murder.

The coroner says Jackson died of acute poisoning as a result of using propofol, a drug frequently employed by the medical profession to induce and maintain general anaesthesia. The coroner's statement said that while "acute intoxication" from the powerful  anesthetic propofol was the primary cause of death, Jackson had also suffered from the effects of other drugs in his system. Traces of another five medicines were also found in the pop star's body.

The coroner's announcement will only increase speculation that authorities are  likely to charge Jackson's personal physician, Conrad Murray, in connection with the pop star's death. Dr Murray, a cardiologist, was the last person to see Jackson alive.

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