Who Really Killed Michael Jackson? ABC News Exposes Shocking Revelations About the King of Pop’s Last Days

ABC News Exclusive: The Shocking Truth Behind Michael Jackson’s Final Months

By ABC News Investigative Team | June 14, 2025

In a stunning new investigation, ABC News has uncovered startling details about the months leading up to the tragic death of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, on June 25, 2009. While the official coroner’s report ruled his death a homicide due to acute propofol intoxication, administered by his personal physician Dr. Conrad Murray, new interviews, unearthed documents, and insider accounts paint a complex and troubling picture of Jackson’s final days. This exclusive report reveals the pressures, decisions, and hidden forces that may have contributed to one of the most shocking losses in music history.

A Star Under Pressure

In early 2009, Michael Jackson was preparing for a comeback unlike any other. The “This Is It” concert series, a 50-show residency at London’s O2 Arena, was billed as his triumphant return to the stage after years of personal and legal struggles. To the public, Jackson was the electrifying performer whose Thriller album remains the best-selling of all time. But behind closed doors, those close to him describe a man battling exhaustion, insomnia, and immense pressure to deliver.

“He was determined to prove he could still do it,” says a former associate who worked on the “This Is It” production, speaking on condition of anonymity. “But the weight of expectations—from fans, promoters, and himself—was crushing.”

ABC News obtained internal documents from AEG Live, the concert promoter, revealing the intense schedule Jackson faced. Rehearsals often stretched late into the night, and sources claim Jackson was pushed to perform despite visible signs of fatigue. One document, dated May 2009, notes concerns from crew members about Jackson’s “deteriorating condition,” yet the production pressed forward.

The Role of Dr. Conrad Murray

At the center of Jackson’s death is Dr. Conrad Murray, the cardiologist hired to oversee the singer’s health during the tour preparations. Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 for administering a lethal dose of propofol, a powerful anesthetic, to help Jackson sleep. But ABC News’ investigation raises new questions about how Murray came to play such a pivotal role in Jackson’s life.

Interviews with former staff reveal that Murray was brought on board in spring 2009 at Jackson’s insistence, despite concerns about his qualifications for managing the star’s complex medical needs. “Michael trusted him completely,” says a former aide. “Murray was willing to give him what he wanted—sleep, at any cost.”

Court records show Murray ordered large quantities of propofol and other sedatives, which he administered in Jackson’s Los Angeles mansion. But ABC News uncovered invoices suggesting these shipments began earlier than previously reported, raising questions about how long Jackson was dependent on these dangerous drugs. One pharmacology expert consulted by ABC News described the regimen as “a recipe for disaster.”

A Web of Enablers?

Beyond Murray, ABC News’ investigation points to a broader network of individuals who may have enabled Jackson’s decline, either through negligence or self-interest. Sources describe a chaotic inner circle, with managers, assistants, and promoters often prioritizing the tour’s success over Jackson’s well-being.

One bombshell revelation comes from a former financial advisor who claims Jackson was in dire financial straits in 2009, owing millions in debts from past legal battles and lavish spending. “The tour was his lifeline,” the advisor says. “He felt he had no choice but to push through, no matter the cost to his health.”

Emails obtained by ABC News show heated exchanges between AEG Live executives and Jackson’s team, with some urging the singer to “rest” while others insisted the show must go on. One email, sent just weeks before Jackson’s death, reads: “We’re too far in to pull back now. MJ has to deliver.”

Jackson’s Silent Struggle

Perhaps the most heartbreaking revelation is Jackson’s own awareness of his deteriorating health. A close friend, who spoke to ABC News on condition of anonymity, recalls a conversation in June 2009 where Jackson expressed fear about his ability to perform. “He said, ‘I’m so tired, I can’t sleep. I just want to make my kids proud,’” the friend recounts, referring to Jackson’s three children, Prince, Paris, and Blanket.

Jackson’s insomnia, a chronic issue, became a focal point in his final months. Sources say he begged for relief, leading to his reliance on propofol—nicknamed “milk” for its white appearance. “He didn’t want to be awake,” says a former nurse who briefly worked with Jackson. “He was desperate for rest, but no one addressed the root cause.”

Mental health experts consulted by ABC News suggest Jackson may have been battling undiagnosed anxiety or depression, exacerbated by the stress of his comeback. Yet, there’s no evidence he received comprehensive psychological care during this period.

The Night of June 25, 2009

On the night of his death, Jackson was in his Holmby Hills mansion, preparing for another grueling rehearsal day. According to trial testimony, Murray administered propofol via an IV drip, leaving Jackson unattended. When he returned, Jackson was unresponsive. Paramedics arrived too late to save him.

ABC News spoke to a retired LAPD detective who reviewed the case, who says, “The scene was chaotic. There were signs of panic, and Murray’s story didn’t add up.” New witness accounts obtained by ABC News suggest Murray delayed calling 911, possibly attempting to conceal evidence of the propofol use.

The Legacy of a Tragedy

Michael Jackson’s death at age 50 sent shockwaves around the world, sparking grief, anger, and conspiracy theories. While Murray served two years in prison, many fans and family members believe others share responsibility. Jackson’s daughter, Paris, has publicly called for justice, tweeting in 2024: “My dad deserved better. The truth is still out there.”

ABC News’ investigation doesn’t claim to solve every mystery surrounding Jackson’s death, but it raises critical questions: Was Jackson failed by those around him? Could his death have been prevented? And what does this tragedy reveal about the pressures faced by global icons?

As the world marks 16 years since Jackson’s passing, his music continues to inspire millions. But his final months serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of fame. “Michael was a genius, but he was also a man,” says the friend who spoke to ABC News. “He needed help, and he didn’t get it.”

For more on this investigation, tune in to ABC News’ special report, “The Fall of the King: Michael Jackson’s Final Days,” airing this week. Share your thoughts using #MichaelJackson.