General views show Michael Jackson's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame late Thursday night as fans leave flowers and candles in memory of the fallen King of Pop. Others paid tribute by playing his music for the crowd to hear. (Photo by Photo Agency)
LOS ANGELES — Conrad Murray, a 56-year-old cardiologist who tried to resuscitate Michael Jackson after the latter collapsed at his home met with the Los Angeles police detectives Saturday afternoon (Los Angeles time). The police clarified that they are not conducting a criminal investigation.
A statement from the Los Angeles Police Department said that detectives conducted “an extensive interview” with Dr. Murray. The interview lasted for three hours. The statement also said that the doctor was “cooperative and provided information which will aid the investigation.”
Recent reports said that the Jackson family has ordered a second autopsy to help determine Mr. Jackson’s cause of death. Mr. Jackson, who was preparing for a series of concerts in London, suffered cardiac arrest and died at the UCLA Medical Center last Thursday.
Edward Chernoff, Dr. Murray’s lawyer also released a statement saying that they had “answered every and all questions asked by L.A.P.D. in an attempt to help piece together the mysteries surrounding” and tried to clarify “some inconsistencies.” The statement also clarified that Dr. Murray is not a suspect but a witness to this tragedy and will remain in Los Angeles ”until investigators no longer need his assistance with the investigation.”
The coroner’s office had returned Mr. Jackson’s body to his family late Friday but is still waiting for the results of tests before ruling on a cause of death. The results are expected to be out in a few weeks.
With reports from The New York Times’ Randal C. Archibold and Liz Robins
