MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images, Pool Photographer/Getty ImagesMichael Jackson's family and the rest of the world aren't the only ones waiting for that final coroner's report on what really killed the King of Pop.
Los Angeles Police Department Chief William Bratton says that, depending on what the toxicology tests turn up, the nature of their investigation into Jackson's death could change.
"We are still awaiting corroboration form the coroner's office as to cause of death," Bratton told CNN.com. "That is going to be very dependent on the toxicology reports that are due to come back. And based on those, we will have an idea of what it is we are dealing with. Are we dealing with a homicide, or are we dealing with accidental overdose?"
For his part, father Joe Jackson thinks his son's death was no accident.
"I do believe it was foul play," he told ABC News Thursday night.
The use of those potentially inflammatory words comes as the Los Angeles Times reports that the county coroner's office has subpoenaed Jackson's medical records from a number of doctors who treated the Thriller artist over the years, including dermatologist Dr. Arnold Klein.
"It was a standard form subpoena and we turned over medical records to the medical examiner in response," attorney Richard Charnley said of the one served to Klein, who said yesterday that he isn't the father of Jackson's children—as far as he knows.
Several search warrants for unidentified locations have also been issued in connection with the probe into Jackson's prescription drug use.
The federal Drug Enforcement Administration and the California Attorney General's Office are also aiding the LAPD in its investigation.
Jackson's county-performed autopsy revealed that he had been taking prescription meds. On June 29, the coroner's office confiscated various drugs and medical equipment from the Holmby Hills mansion the singer had been renting.
"At the time of the death, with search warrants, we were able to seize a number of items from the residence where the death occurred and those will assist in the investigation," Bratton said.
"We've got very good investigators," the chief of police added. "They will be prepared to deal with whatever the coroner's findings may be."
The coroner "has his role and responsibility, we have our role and responsibility. The next move, really, is his."
Dr. Klein said on Larry King Live last night that he had never prescribed Jackson anything stronger than Demerol, and that he had warned his patient against using Diprivan, a potent anesthetic that was found in Jackson's house.
(Originally published on July 9, 2009, at 7:19 p.m. PT)