This story was printed from channelnewsasia.com

Title : Verdict in Jackson autopsy could take weeks, says coroner
By :
Date : 27 June 2009 0316 hrs (SST)
URL : http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/438792/1/.html

LOS ANGELES - A final verdict on Michael Jackson's autopsy will not be possible until toxicology test results are confirmed, which could take "six to eight weeks," the Los Angles Coroner's office said Friday.

Assistant chief Ed Winter said an autopsy would get underway shortly and the examination of Jackson's body would last several weeks.

"We will be performing toxicology tests and an extensive exam and it could take up to six to eight weeks before we will have the final results from the onset, from last night," Winter said.

Winter said a preliminary report on the cause of death would likely be deferred until the test results are known.

"Probably that the case, the cause of death is going to be deferred until we get the results of all the tests," Winter said.

"However, we did want to let people know that the exam is being conducted this morning. We'll probably start in a few minutes."

Winter would not comment when asked about what physicians had found after initial examinations of the star's body.

He also declined to comment on reports the star had been given a powerful painkiller shortly before he collapsed at his home.

"I can tell you the likelihood is slim that we will have any results released today because of the extent and level of the tests we are going to be performing," Winter said.

- AFP /ls



Singapore fans mourn passing of pop legend Michael Jackson
Asian fans mourn "King of Pop"
Pop icon Michael Jackson dead at 50
Entertainment world in shock at Jackson's death
Fate of Jackson children unclear, say experts


Copyright © MediaCorp Pte Ltd
<< back to channelnewsasia.com