Jacko's playground turns to wasteland
Updated on 28 June 2009
Sarah Smith visits Michael Jackson's infamous Neverland ranch, as debate continues about the cause of the singer's death and the amount of debt he left behind.
The ranch that epitomised Jackson's juvenile extravagance is now a shadow of its former glory, an apt metaphor for the man himself.
Jackson nearly had Neverland repossessed, and he could no longer afford to live there. His annual expenses were double what he was earning, and Jackson was close to bankrupt.
Now his record sales have absolutely soared and memorabilia is now selling fast, which will all help settle his debts.
'Not a suspect'
Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray, has now been interviewed by police, and insists that he is a witness, not a suspect.
Earlier, a spokesman for Dr Murray said he, accompanied by his attorney Ed Chernoff, spoke to officers for three hours and "answered every and all questions asked by LAPD in an attempt to help piece together the mysteries surrounding the death of Michael Jackson."
She added: "During the meeting Dr Murray helped identify the circumstances around the death of the pop icon and clarified some inconsistencies.
"Dr Murray has been in Los Angeles since the death of Mr Jackson. He rode in the ambulance to the hospital and stayed at the hospital for hours comforting and consoling the Jackson family. Investigators say the doctor is in no way a suspect and remains a witness to this tragedy.
"Dr Murray will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities and asks that all keep the Jackson family in their prayers."
She added that Dr Murray was hired by the star to accompany him on his forthcoming concert tour to the UK and would remain in Los Angeles as long as his assistance is needed with the investigation.
'Darkest moment'
The Jackson family now have control over Michael's remains. They are waiting for results of a second post mortem they paid for. The celebrity clan have not yet made any funeral plans, but they are discussing global musical tributes.
A statement released by the singer's family earlier described his death as "one of the darkest moments of our lives".
Part of the statement, attributed by the People Magazine in the US, to the singer's father Joseph Jackson read: "In one of the darkest moments of our lives we find it hard to find the words appropriate to this sudden tragedy we all had to encounter.
"Our beloved son, brother and father of three children has gone so unexpectedly, in such a tragic way and much too soon.
"It leaves us, his family, speechless and devastated to a point, where communication with the outside world seems almost impossible at times."
