MICHAEL JACKSON’s estranged father JOE has spoken out for the first time since the pop legend’s death was ruled a homicide - insisting the family “wants justice”.

The Los Angeles’ County Coroner sensationally ruled on Friday (28Aug09) the King of Pop - who died after suffering a cardiac arrest on 25 June (09) - was killed by a cocktail of strong prescription drugs.

His death was blamed on the “acute” presence of the anaesthetic Propofol and anti-anxiety drug Lorazepam in his system.

The superstar had also taken Midazolam (Versed), Diazepam (Valium), Lidocaine (topical anaesthetic) and Ephedrine prior to his death.

The ruling could kickstart a manslaughter investigation, with the spotlight on Jackson’s personal physician Dr. Conrad Murray - who is accused of administering Propofol to help the star sleep the night before he died.

However, Joe Jackson has refused to point fingers at Murray or his son’s team of doctors, insisting he was unaware of his son’s drug use.

Jackson, 80, tells U.S. TV’s the Today show on Monday (31Aug09), “I keep thinking, I just cant believe this happened to him… I’m not angry, I’m mad. I’m mad because I didn’t know all of this was going on, that’s what I’m mad about. I didn’t know he was taking that type of medication. They (the family) want justice to be done and that’s what is being done. I don’t know (if that means criminal charges).

“It’s the first time I’ve ever heard of the drug. That tells me that was foul play, that’s what it tells me and (there is) more to be investigated to see what was behind all of this stuff, not just Dr. Conrad Murray. Someone should pay. Not just someone, but all of them should pay that’s (sic) involved. I didn’t say doctors - everybody else that’s involved.”

The final coroner’s report, including the toxicology results, is likely to remain on security hold pending release by the Los Angeles Police Department. The full autopsy report has not been released.