Star-filled mausoleum awaits Michael Jackson at Forest Lawn Glendale

Star-filled mausoleum awaits Michael Jackson at Forest Lawn Glendale
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Posted by Maureen Clayton at 01:13:13 PM
Read more: Celebrity Deaths, Celebrity Relatives, Entertainment News, Michael Jackson, Music News


Michael Jackson's family is preparing to bury the singer in a mausoleum in Glendale, California, that is filled with legendary entertainers.

Only Jackson's family and closest friends will be in attendance. The service at Forest Lawn Glendale is not open to the public at all.

"If you're not an invited guest, the most important thing to understand is one, the park is closed," said Sgt. Tom Lorenz from the Glendale Police Department.

The Glendale Police Department has issued credentials to 500 members of the media from all over the world.

The Jackson family will pay for all funeral expenses, including the massive police presence that has been brought in to make sure there are absolutely no problems.

Few details have been released about the service, but it is known that Gladys Knight is set to sing.

Jackson's funeral comes 70 days after his sudden death on June 25. The private burial service begins at 7 p.m.


The family held a massive public service at Staples Center for the pop star, but the burial had been delayed due to division within the family.

It was revealed on Wednesday that twelve plots were being purchased at the cemetery. Attorneys did not give a total figure for the extraordinary service, but the city of Glendale estimates that it will be upwards of $150,000.

Forest Lawn is closed on Thursday and will reopen on Friday, but it's unclear how close fans will be able to get to Jackson's resting place. He is set to be laid to rest inside the ornate Great Mausoleum.

Glendale Avenue is completely shut down on Thursday from San Fernando Road and Los Feliz Boulevard. Side streets are closed as well, but will be open to residents and businesses. Every street leading into Forest Lawn has been closed since 4 a.m.

Jackson's funeral won't end the legal drama over his drug-induced death at age 50, which authorities have labeled a homicide. No criminal charges have been filed over his death, which came on the cusp of London concerts meant to restore Jackson to his once-incandescent stardom.

Last week, coroner's officials said they believed Jackson's death was homicide, and his death certificate has been amended to reflect that. It cites "injection by another" as the fatal injury.

Investigators have said a mix of the powerful anesthetic propofol and another sedative killed the pop singer. The new record lists "acute propofol intoxication" as the main cause of death and "benzodiazepine effect" as another significant contributor.

The certificate does not mention Dr. Conrad Murray, who was Jackson's personal physician. He told detectives that he gave the singer a series of sedatives and propofol to try to help him sleep.

The coroner's determination of homicide makes it easier for prosecutors to seek criminal charges, but does not necessarily mean a crime was committed.