Chicago/Encino:
The Reverend Jesse Jackson said on Saturday that Michael Jackson's family wants an independent autopsy following the pop star's sudden death at age 50.
Jesse Jackson, a civil rights leader, said after a Chicago press conference on Saturday that there are unanswered questions surrounding the King of Pop's death, including about the role of the personal cardiologist who was with him.
Dr Conrad Murray reportedly was with Jackson when he stopped breathing on Thursday and performed CPR until paramedics arrived.
An ambulance crew worked on Jackson at his home for 42 minutes before rushing him to UCLA Medical Centre, where he was pronounced dead.
The cardiologist has hired a Houston-based law firm and on Saturday, an attorney there said he was cooperating.
A 911 call from Jackson's rented home reported that his personal doctor was trying to revive him without success. Police have talked to Dr Conrad Murray and have said they intend to speak with him again but have stressed he is not a criminal suspect.
Murray has yet to speak publicly since Jackson's death.
Jesse Jackson told reporters in Chicago that the "bizarre behaviour" of Murray needed explaining.
"Why did the doctor not communicate with the parents, nor with the coroner, and could not be found? It raised questions that deserve answers, and we want those answers because we are hurt."
People close to Jackson have said since his death that they were concerned about the superstar's use of painkillers.
Los Angeles County medical examiners completed an autopsy on Friday and said Jackson had taken prescription medication.
Medical officials also said there was no indication of trauma or foul play. An official cause of death could take weeks.
The coroner's office released the body to Jackson's family on Friday night.
There was no immediate word on whether the second autopsy was being performed right away.
There was also no word from the Jackson family on funeral plans.
Many of Jackson's relatives have gathered at the family's Encino compound, caring there for Jackson's three children.
A person close to the family said they feel upset and angry about a lack of information about those who were around the pop superstar in his final days. The person requested anonymity because of the delicate nature of the situation.
Jackson had been rehearsing for 50 London concerts aimed at restoring his crown as the King of Pop.