Michael Jackson's Funeral Plans Sketchy

Updated: Wednesday, 01 Jul 2009, 10:33 AM CDT
Published : Wednesday, 01 Jul 2009, 10:23 AM CDT

By FRANK CARNEVALE
(MYFOX NATIONAL) - The details of Michael Jackson's funeral are starting to trickle out, though they still have not been verified by the authorities or the Jackson family. The latest reports include a plan for a public viewing at Jackson's Neverland ranch and a 30-car motorcade from downtown Los Angeles to the ranch.

Where Jackson would be buried is also uncertain at this time. The Sun newspaper reported that it is thought that he will be buried at Neverland, quoting a source: "Details are still being finalized. The family will make an announcement soon."

CNN.com reported a law enforcement official said that the planning is under way for a 30-car motorcade that would carry Jackson's remains from the Los Angeles area. The motorcade would start at 10 a.m. Thursday and head to the ranch in Santa Barbara County, a 135-mile trip that could take over 3 hours .

The news site also reports Jackson's body will be prepared for a public viewing Firday, according to law enforcement official. And that the family plans a private service Sunday.

The LA Times , though, reported that one plan involved a public viewing at the Staples Center, and then a motorcade to Neverland.

A flurry of vehicles , heavy construction equipment and workers have been spotted going in and out of Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. TMZ.com reported that in preparation of Jackson's body returning to Neverland for a public viewing, a truck full of porta-pottys dropped off its first load late Tuesday night.

But according to Reuters , officials have not been formally contacted. Santa Barbara County Fire Department spokesman Captain David Sadecki said police and fire representatives had met about "the Michael Jackson situation" but had no further details.

The possibility of a funeral at Jackson's Neverland Ranch could present some problems for the local town. Neverland is located in the rolling hills of central California's wine country, about 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles. On Tuesday The Associated Press reported that a public service there on a busy holiday weekend could bring the rural area's roads to a standstill.

Also Jackson's will is to be filed in court Wednesday . It reportedly gives guardianship over his children to the singer's mother and leaves all his assets in a trust fund. As the custody battle looms for Michael Jackson's three children, reports have surfaced that Jackson is not the biological father of the kids .

In a famous scene from Michael Jackson's music video for "Smooth Criminal," the pop singer and his troupe of dancers are seen leaning forward at a 45-degree angle. How did he do it?

Also scams started cropping up as Jackson's death was still hitting the news. As days have gone by, they've gotten more sophisticated -- and dangerous.