ID's Roundup of the Biggest Crime Stories of 2009

Renowned crime writer David Lohr recounts the most high-profile and memorable crimes of 2009.

No. 1: The King of Pop

The death of Michael Jackson came as a shock to his fans all around the world. Initially, the unexpected nature of his passing captured headlines; however, following an autopsy, the shock no longer centered on his sudden death but on the manner in which he died.

In March 2009, the King of Pop announced a major comeback tour — his last set of performances ever — which he dubbed "This Is It." The tour would be Jackson's first since 1997, when he completed the HIStory World Tour. It would, Jackson told reporters, be his "final curtain call." Unfortunately for Jackson, that statement proved to be all too accurate.

On June 25, 2009, Jackson was found unresponsive in his Los Angeles mansion. His personal physician, Conrad Murray, was unable to resuscitate him and when paramedics arrived on the scene Jackson was reportedly not breathing. Further attempts were made to save his life during transport to the UCLA Medical Center; however all proved to be futile and he was pronounced dead roughly one hour after arriving there.

In the days that followed Jackson's death, the world was abuzz with theories on what had actually happened. Speculation centered on many things, including his alleged addiction to prescription drugs — the dozens of plastic surgeries he was alleged to have had — and the stress of preparing for his upcoming tour. Nonetheless, authorities were refraining from comment.

On July 7, 2009, some 31 million people around the world tuned in to Jackson's memorial service, which was broadcast live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Many of Jackson's friends and associates were in attendance, including Lionel Richie, Mariah Carey, Corey Feldman and Stevie Wonder. At the conclusion of the memorial, Jackson's daughter, 11-year-old Paris Katherine, broke down as she addressed the crowd. "Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine," she said. "I just wanted to say I love him...so much."

Less than a month later, on August 28, 2009, authorities announced that the Los Angeles County Coroner had ruled Jackson's death a homicide. Forensic tests reportedly revealed that the powerful anesthetic propofol, along with at least two other sedatives — lorazepam and midazolam — had caused Jackson's death. As of this writing, police are conducting a manslaughter investigation.

On September 3, 2009, Michael Jackson was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

Read More: Michael Jackson's Death Causes Shark-Like Media Frenzy.