Calif. AG joins Jackson death investigation

updated 9:33 a.m. ET July 2, 2009

LOS ANGELES - California Attorney General Jerry Brown says his office is helping Los Angeles police investigate the possible involvement of prescription drugs in Michael Jackson’s death.

The Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement is searching the state database that tracks doctors who prescribe controlled substances. It also monitors the quantity and recipients of those drugs.

Brown told The Associated Press Thursday the records search will be a critical part of the investigation.

He says the same database helped investigators in the death of former Playboy centerfold Anna Nicole Smith.

Brown says his employees will watch for aliases as they help investigate Jackson’s death.

DEA also involved in investigation
The circumstances surrounding Jackson’s death have also become a federal issue, with the Drug Enforcement Administration asked to help police take a look at the pop star’s doctors and possible drug use.

Following Jackson’s death, allegations emerged that the 50-year-old “King of Pop” had been consuming painkillers, sedatives and antidepressants.

The DEA was asked to help the probe by the Los Angeles Police Department, a law enforcement official in Washington told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the investigation.

The federal agency can provide resources and experience in investigating drug abuse, illicit drug manufacturers known as “pill mills” and substances local police may not be familiar with, the official said Wednesday.

Medium Uri Geller, a former Jackson confidant, said Thursday he tried to keep Jackson from abusing painkillers and other prescription drugs, but others in the singer’s circle kept him supplied.

“When Michael asked for something, he got it. This was the great tragedy,” Geller said in a telephone interview with the AP from his suburban London home.

While the investigation into the singer’s death deepened, passionate Michael Jackson fans spent another day in an uneasy limbo, awaiting word from the “King of Pop’s” camp about where and when a memorial service might be held for their hero — and if they’re even invited.

Speculation about the potential location of a memorial ricocheted during the day from the Staples Center to the Los Angeles Coliseum to the Nokia Theater.

No memorial at Neverland
One spot that was ruled out as an immediate memorial venue was Jackson’s sprawling Neverland ranch in Santa Barbara County. Jackson family spokesman Ken Sunshine said a public memorial was in the works for Jackson but it wouldn’t be held at Neverland.

Slideshow   Fans remember the ‘King of Pop’ From Encino, Calif., to India, Michael Jackson fans mourn his death and celebrate his life. more photos

Jermaine Jackson said in an interview that aired on NBC’s TODAY show Thursday that he would still like to see Neverland as his younger brother’s final resting place. (Msnbc.com is a joint venture between NBC and Microsoft.)

He also said that he wishes he had died instead of Michael.

“He went too soon,” Jermaine Jackson said. “I don’t know how people are going to take this, but I wish it was me.”

The elimination of the proposed Neverland memorial came as a blow to many Jackson fans who had already descended on the estate in the rolling hills near Santa Barbara with the hope of attending a public viewing.

“We’re terribly disappointed,” said Ida Barron, 44, who arrived with her husband Paul Barron, 56, intending to spend several days in a tent.

It appeared more likely that a funeral and burial would take place in Los Angeles, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.

Many of Jackson’s die-hard fans refused to believe that the family would bury their most famous son without acknowledging the supporters who helped propel him to superstardom.

“I can’t believe they wouldn’t do something for his fans,” said Rosie Padron, who had roped off a spot just outside the Neverland gates. “Michael loved his fans.”

Michael Jackson, 1958-2009 Michael Jackson glove sells for $350,000 Warrant: Jackson drugs came from Vegas firm Janet Jackson: Michael in denial over drugs L.A. police want Jackson records sealed Viacom wins rights to Jackson’s ‘This Is It’ Journalists detained after Jackson doctor leaves L.A. pushes to get repaid for Jackson memorial Jackson’s private funeral cost nearly $1 million FirstPerson: You call ‘This Is It’ ‘raw,’ ‘intimate’ Could Jackson’s ‘This Is It’ win an Oscar?

New Yorkers weren’t willing to wait. The weekly Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater turned into a Jackson celebration, with impersonators emulating his outfits and mimicking his dance moves.

Allison Hector, who wore a T-shirt with the image of the “Thriller” album cover, ecstatically emulated moves she learned watching Jackson’s music videos.

“Nobody moves like him,” the 19-year-old said, her eyes filling with tears. “I feel it in my blood — I just can’t help it!”

On the legal front, Jackson’s 7-year-old will was filed Wednesday in a Los Angeles court, giving his entire estate to a family trust and naming his 79-year-old mother Katherine and his three children as beneficiaries. The will also estimates the current value of his estate at more than $500 million.

MORE FROM MICHAEL JACKSON, 1958-2009

Michael Jackson glove sells for $350,000

Michael Jackson glove sells for $350,000 Warrant: Jackson drugs came from Vegas firm Janet Jackson: Michael in denial over drugs L.A. police want Jackson records sealed Viacom wins rights to Jackson’s ‘This Is It’ Journalists detained after Jackson doctor leaves L.A. pushes to get repaid for Jackson memorial Jackson’s private funeral cost nearly $1 million FirstPerson: You call ‘This Is It’ ‘raw,’ ‘intimate’ Could Jackson’s ‘This Is It’ win an Oscar?   Add Michael Jackson, 1958-2009 headlines to your news reader: