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Jackson's Mother Granted Temporary Guardianship of His Children

June 29, 2009

LOS ANGELES (RPRN) 6/29/2009--A judge in Los Angeles has granted Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine, temporary guardianship of the late singer's three children. Katherine Jackson filed for guardianship of the children Monday in Los Angeles and also petitioned to take over the children's estate. A later hearing will determine if the custody arrangement will be permanent. The children, Prince Michael, Paris Michael Katherine, and Prince Michael II, are 12, 11 and 7 years old. They have been living with their grandmother since their father's sudden death Thursday in Los Angeles.

The biological mother of the two older children, Deborah Rowe, has not commented on the custody situation and her whereabouts are unknown. Jackson's youngest child was born to a surrogate mother.

On Sunday, a star-studded crowd honored the pop icon at the annual Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards show in Los Angeles. Attendees said they remain shocked by the singer's unexpected death.

Those at the show included Jackson's father Joe and sister Janet, as well as entertainers Jamie Foxx, Alicia Keys and Sean "Diddy" Combs. In a statement, Jackson's parents said they alone have authority for the pop star and his children.

The Los Angeles County's coroner's office conducted an autopsy Friday said there were no indications of external trauma or foul play. But the office said it will take weeks for test results to come back and determine a cause of death. Jackson's family has ordered a private, second autopsy.

A lawyer for Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray, says his client found the singer unconscious and immediately began efforts to revive him. He denied reports that Dr. Murray gave Jackson painkillers, which some have speculated may have caused his death.

Jackson died two months before his 51st birthday, as he was preparing to launch a series of sold-out comeback concerts in London next month.

U.S. President Barack Obama sent a message Sunday to Jackson's grieving family, offering his condolences. Top White House adviser David Axelrod said Sunday on NBC's Meet The Press the president saw Jackson as a spectacular performer but one who led a sad life.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.

Photo credit: Zimbio

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