Michael Jackson's death confirmed as homicide

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Pop star Michael Jackson's death was a homicide caused by prescription medications, the Los Angeles County coroner's office announced on Friday.

Jackson died of acute propofol intoxication -- a powerful sedative -- and the effects of the anti-anxiety drug lorazepam, the office said in a final ruling.

Other drugs found in Jackson's system were midazolam, diazepam, lidocaine and ephedrine, according to the office's investigation.

The coroner's report remains under seal pending the completion of a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) investigation into the singer's death.

Also on Friday, the LAPD said state and federal drug-enforcement agencies are conducting separate investigations into issues that " may not be directly related to the cause of death."

LAPD officials said their investigation was ongoing "and will result in the case being presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney for filing consideration."

Jackson died June 25 at his rented Holmby Hills mansion in Los Angeles at age 50, just days before he was to perform a series of concerts in London.

Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray told investigators that he had given Jackson the drug early the morning of his death, according to the earlier warrant.

He said he had given him the medication in the past, but was trying to wean him off of the drug, fearing that he was developing an addiction.

Murray said he gave Jackson a series of medications over the course of that night because the singer could not sleep.

According to court documents, Jackson repeatedly demanded the propofol, which he referred to as his "milk," and Murray finally agreed.