Doctors’ Responsibility

Los Angeles prosecutors are finally ready to bring criminal charges in the death of Michael Jackson, focusing on the pop star’s personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray. In anticipation, Murray traveled from his home in Houston, taking time out to visit Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, Calif., where Jackson was laid to rest. The cardiologist worked for Jackson from spring 2009 until his death in late June.

It was following the star’s death that Murray admitted to administering sleep aids to help Jackson with his insomnia. Jackson died from "acute propofol intoxication," according to the coroner, and Murray has said it was one of several drugs he gave Jackson the night he died. Propofol, also known by the brand name Diprivan, is an anesthetic used in hospitals to render patients unconscious.

Charges in Celebrity Drug Deaths

This isn’t the first case of someone else being held responsible in the death of a celebrity from a drug overdose. Howard K. Stern faces charges in the death of his longtime companion Anna Nicole Smith for providing her with prescription medications. One of the most shocking cases, though, was in the death of comedian John Belushi. Background singer, groupie and purported drug dealer Cathy Smith eventually served 15 months in jail on manslaughter charges for providing the drugs that killed him. Smith first admitted to giving Belushi the combination of cocaine and heroin, known as a speedball, in the tabloid The National Enquirer. The story, with a headline of “I Killed John Belushi,” prompted law enforcement to reopen the investigation.

Substance Abuse Rehab

If you or a family member is struggling with a substance abuse problem, call The Canyon at the toll-free number on our homepage. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.