Jackson doctor 'to face manslaughter charge'

Michael Jackson's personal physician will be charged with manslaughter within the next two weeks, it was reported today.

Dr Conrad Murray's role in the superstar's death is currently being probed over manslaughter charges by US authorities, but a US TV network said his arrest on a manslaughter charge was expected the week after next.

Citing law enforcement sources, Fox News also said Jackson's dermatologist, Dr Arnold Klein, would be hit with charges related to medical malpractice.

Jane Robison, spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office, said police had not yet decided on any charges.

She said: "Until police complete their investigation and bring it to our office, there is no way to know what charges may be filed and against whom."

Dr Murray, 51, was at Jackson's side when the 50-year-old King of Pop died on June 25.

Federal agents are believed to be working on the theory that the medic administered a powerful sedative of the type thought to have killed Jackson shortly before he collapsed in his rented Beverly Hills home.

Over the last month, two offices connected to Dr Murray have been searched by police, as has his home.

Last week officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration walked away from a raided Las Vegas pharmacy with evidence that showed Jackson's personal physician bought propofol - the anaesthetic thought to have caused his heart to stop beating.

This week it emerged that Jackson's mother was considering filing a wrongful death lawsuit over the circumstances surrounding her son's death.

Burt Levitch, a lawyer for Katherine Jackson, said the idea had "been floated" and the main name that had been mentioned was Dr Murray.

The doctor - who has been interviewed by police a number of times - then posted a short video message on YouTube in which he thanked supporters and assured them he had told the truth.

He said: "Your messages give me strength and courage and keep me going. They mean the world to me.

"Please don't worry, as long as I keep God in my heart and you in my life I will be fine.

"I have done all I can do. I told the truth and I have faith that truth will prevail."

Dr Murray added in the video message that he was "afraid" to return phone calls or answer emails from supporters due to "what is going on".

He has not been named as an official suspect, but court records have identified him as the subject of a manslaughter investigations.

Dr Klein, a Beverly Hills dermatologist, has reportedly admitted giving the painkiller Demerol - but not propofol - to Jackson, who suffered from insomnia.