Tito Jackson’s family asks court to block release of autopsy records
FILE - Pop star Michael Jackson, center, his mother Katherine Jackson, right, and brother Tito Jackson, left, leave Santa Barbara County Superior Court in Santa Maria, Calif., April 7, 2005, after another day of testimony in Michael Jackson's child molestation trial. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The estate of Tito Jackson has filed a lawsuit to block the release of his autopsy records and photos to the public.
In September, Tito Jackson died at a hospital in Gallup after police said he had a heart attack while he was on his way to Oklahoma. Jackson’s business partner was with him at the time.
Jackson’s autopsy was done in Albuquerque. The lawsuit is looking to stop the Office of the Medical Investigator from publicly releasing photographs, autopsy findings and “other related materials” on his death, other than the specific cause and manner of death. The lawsuit argues there isn’t “legitimate reason” for the release. It also argues such a release would invade the family’s privacy and cause irreparable harm.
Jackson gained fame as a member of The Jackson 5 in the 1960s and 1970s. He was 70 years old at the time of his death.