NORM: Jackson-Presley parallels persist - News - ReviewJournal.com
Both celebrity doctors came under severe scrutiny after their famous patients died under a cloud of drug allegations.Jul. 29, 2009
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NORM: Jackson-Presley parallels persistThe ironic twist wasn't lost on residents and reporters at Red Rock Country Club on Tuesday.The expensive home where the late Dr. Elias Ghanem lived overlooks Dr. Conrad Murray's residence, which was crawling with law enforcement officials.
Both treated Michael Jackson, although many years apart.
From 1971 to 1976, Ghanem was Elvis Presley's personal physician when The King performed in Las Vegas. When Presley died at age 42 in August 1977, Ghanem and Elvis' longtime Memphis physician, George C. Nichopoulos, battled a public perception that they were enablers.
Murray, who had a practice in Las Vegas until recently, was living in Jackson's leased mansion in Holmby Hills when the King of Pop died June 25 at age 50.
Murray, 56, told investigators that he administered the powerful sedative propofol to the singer within the 24 hours before Jackson's death, a law enforcement official recently told The Associated Press.
Murray's house was searched for more than three hours Tuesday by Drug Enforcement Administration agents and Los Angeles police detectives.
The gated community where Murray lives is popular with many Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs. Former and current residents include former Sheriff Bill Young, impressionist Rich Little, ex-Las Vegas Mayor Jan Jones, former UFC champ Tito Ortiz and porn star Jenna Jameson, illusionist Steve Wyrick and the singing duo Zowie Bowie.