Michael Jackson Dies

Michael Jackson had a habit of getting Demerol injections -- he even had a special name for them.

We're told Jackson called it "health tonic." He would have a doctor inject him because, we're told, he didn't like needles.

Our sources have told us Jackson was injected with Demerol at 11:30 AM the day he died. Shortly thereafter Jackson went into cardiac arrest.

You'll recall, Jackson also had a name for wine -- Jesus juice.

It's the ultimate irony -- Michael Jackson's death could make his struggling estate flush with cash.

It's simple math. Jackson spent millions of dollars every year. He was paying $100,000 a month just for renting the Holmby Hills house.

We're told the bottom line could get significantly better and quickly.

In the first auction since the pop star passed away, the 21 pieces of Jackson memorabilia up for sale got some mind-blowing bids at Julien's Auctions in Las Vegas.

Check out some of the top sales:
- Victory tour shirt: estimate $1000-1500... sold for 42k
- Jackson 5 signed album: estimate $400-600... sold for 27k
- Original painting of Mickey Mouse: estimate $1000-1500... sold for 20k
- Original drawing of a boy: estimate $1500-2000... sold for 16k
- Handwritten note to "Greg": estimate $200-300... sold for 15k

A South Korean manufacturer is cranking out stacks of Michael Jackson CDs -- trying to keep up with worldwide demand.

Michael Jackson's body was taken to an undisclosed mortuary late Friday night.

The Los Angeles County Coroner's office released Jackson's body to his family.

Sources tell us both the cops and family had requested the meeting. The family wanted to know about "the circumstances surrounding Michael's death." The cops wanted information that could help them determine what killed Michael. We're told Katherine, Joe and several brothers were present.

Dr. Conrad Murray sent the note on his letterhead from his medical practice in Las Vegas. He says, "I am deeply saddened to leave you at this point, but please know my absence is not permanent." He continues, "In my absence, I will continue to manage the practice, and be involved as much as possible but from a distance."

The letter says "My absence is not permanent."

We're told AEG -- the company that was putting on the London concerts -- put Dr. Murray on the payroll.

We've obtained this photo of Jackson's live-in doctor -- who unsuccessfully performed CPR on the King of Pop before the ambulance showed up.

UPDATE: LAPD just announced they still have not spoken to the elusive doctor. Also, the reason they towed Murray's car from MJ's house last night is because "it might contain evidence."

Michael Jackson's family will wage an epic battle to make sure Paris and Michael Jr. do not end up in the custody of one Debbie Rowe -- this according to family members who spoke with TMZ.

The family is currently gathered together and they are reacting to our story this morning that Rowe never legally gave up her custody rights. Under California law, Rowe is in a position to get custody of her biological kids if she wants them, provided it would not be detrimental to the children.

The family complained to us the kids don't even know Debbie Rowe -- she hasn't been a part of their lives. They say the kids must remain "within the family."

The L.A. County Coroner just announced Michael Jackson's autopsy has been completed -- but more testing is needed before the official cause of death can be determined.

The coroner said the cause of death was deferred because additional testing -- including toxicology and other tests -- is needed. It will take 4-6 weeks to complete.

There was no trauma to Michael's body and "no indication of foul play" -- but he said Michael had been taking "some prescription medications."

On the subject of Michael Jackson taking too many prescription drugs...

We went back to our files and found a 2007 lawsuit against Jackson for allegedly not paying a pharmacy bill -- grand total: $101,926.66.

Mickey Fine Pharmacy in Beverly Hills sued Jackson, claiming he agreed to "pay the purchase price of any prescription medications filled."

The person who makes the call says Jackson was not breathing and unconscious. Jackson was not responding to CPR. The caller says the doctor on scene -- Dr. Conrad Murray -- was the only witness -- "The doctor has been the only one here."

Where there's a high-profile story -- there are lawyers who want to be on TV. We have a warning.