Michael Jackson Funeral Finally Taking Place Tonight

Although the investigation and possible murder charges related to his death may take many months and possibly years, friends and family of Michael Jackson will gather later today to say their final goodbyes to the King of Pop. Jackson will be laid to rest in the Great Mausoleum on the grounds of Forest Lawn, also the final resting place of numerous Hollywood legends, including Walt Disney and Clark Gable.

Police have indicated that there will be a strong presence at the event, including several canine units and air patrols. No media will be allowed to attend the event, although it is certain that paparazzi will be crawling and climbing all over the place in hopes of stealing a few cash-worthy shots of Jackson's family and friends as they mourn him.

Jackson was originally scheduled to be buried on August 29, which is also his birthday. But the date was pushed back without explanation until today. It has been reported that there is an internal disagreement among family members as to where Michael should be buried. His brother Jermaine reportedly pushed for Michael to buried at Neverland, but Michael had expressed a desire not to return to that place while he was alive.

Although police have ruled Jackson's death a homicide, no charges have been brought against Dr. Conrad Murray as of today. It is believed that Murray was the only person with Jackson at the time of his death and autopsy reports have suggested the cause of death to be related to the drug propofol, which Murray was administering to Jackson.