The Jackson family is understood to have requested a second independent post-mortem examination on Michael Jackson’s body, a coroners officer has said.
Brian Elias, lieutenant at Los Angeles County Department of Coroner, said: “My understanding is that they have requested a second autopsy. But we have no way of confirming that.
“The body is in a mortuary and if they want to proceed with a separate autopsy, it is up to them.”
The first official examination was completed on Friday and the body released to the family.
The Rev Jesse Jackson, a family friend, was reported to have encouraged the family lawyer to press for the Jacksons to order their own tests.
The Jackson family have gathered at their home in Encino, Los Angeles, to discuss funeral arrangements and care for his three children.
They are reported to be searching for answers about the singer’s last days amid reports that he received a shot of the powerful painkiller Demerol shortly before his death and claims he was regularly taking a cocktail of prescription drugs.
A family friend said the Jacksons wanted to know more about the role AEG, the promoters of the singer’s planned UK concerts at London’s O2 Arena, was playing in his life before his death.
The family are also waiting for answers from Dr Conrad Murray, Jackson’s personal physician who was with him when he died.
Police are still waiting to question the doctor further and have seized his car from outside Jackson’s house in case it contained drugs or other evidence.
Press Association