Forensic toxicology

RITIK CHIBBER
23IMS14004
Michael
jackson
case study
(1958-2009)
 Background information
• Michael Jackson, born on August 29, 1958,
in Gary, Indiana, began his career at a young
age as a member of the Jackson 5 alongside
his siblings.
• He achieved unprecedented success as a
solo artist with albums like “Thriller,” “Bad,”
and “Off the Wall,” earning him the title of the
“King of Pop.”
• Jackson’s influence extended beyond
music, with his iconic dance moves, music
videos, and philanthropic efforts shaping pop
culture.

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Timeline of events
• In the months leading up to his
death, Michael Jackson was
preparing for a series of comeback
concerts titled “This Is It”
scheduled to take place in London.

• Reports emerged of Jackson

experiencing health issues and
struggling with insomnia during
rehearsals for the concerts.
• On June 25, 2009, Michael
Jackson was found unresponsive in
his Los Angeles home and was
pronounced dead at the age of 50.
Cause of death
• Initially, Jackson’s death
was attributed to cardiac
arrest.
• Subsequent investigations
revealed that his death was
caused by acute propofol
and benzodiazepine
intoxication, administered
by his personal physician,
Dr. Conrad Murray.

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 Autopsy findings
• The autopsy conducted on
Michael Jackson’s body revealed
no evidence of trauma or
external injury.
• Toxicological analysis detected
multiple drugs in Jackson’s
system, including propofol,
lorazepam, midazolam,
diazepam, and lidocaine.
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Forensic toxicology

Forensic Toxicology Analysis:

• Forensic toxicologists analyzed samples
of Jackson’s blood, urine, and other bodily
fluids to determine the presence and
concentration of drugs.
• High-performance liquid
chromatography (HPLC) and gas
chromatography-mass spectrometry
(GC-MS) were likely utilized to identify
and quantify the drugs found in his
system.

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Legal proceedings
• Dr. Conrad Murray, Jackson’s personal
physician, was charged with involuntary
manslaughter for administering the drugs that
led to Jackson’s death.
• During the trial, forensic toxicology played a
central role in establishing the presence of
drugs in Jackson’s system and their role in his
death.
• Murray was ultimately found guilty and
sentenced to four years in prison.

Forensic toxicology

Propofol
powerful sedative-hypnotic drug
commonly used for anesthesia
during medical procedures.
Benzodiazepines
Lidocaine
(Lorazepam, Midazolam,
Diazepam) local anesthetic
commonly used to numb
psychoactive drugs
tissue in a specific area of
that are commonly prescribed
the body.
to treat anxiety, insomnia, and
other conditions.
More detailed explanation of
forensic toxicology analysis:

1. Biological sample
collection
2. Sample preparation
3. Analytical techniques
4. Drug identification and
quantification
5. Interpretation and reporting
6. Expert testimony
 Conclusion

• The case of Michael Jackson underscores the critical role

of forensic toxicology in unraveling the circumstances
surrounding high-profile deaths and legal proceedings.

•By providing objective scientific analysis, forensic

toxicologists contribute to the pursuit of justice and the
prevention of similar tragedies in the future.

Forensic toxicology 11
References
• https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Michael_Jackson
• https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/scenes-from-the-conrad-
murray-trial/
• https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00281
• https://www.drugs.com/drug-class/benzodiazepines.html
• Book- poisons- an introduction to forensic investigators by David J,
George
Thank you