The Latest: Autopsy: Prince finding could lead to charges

CHICAGO – The Latest on the investigation into the death of Prince, who was found dead at his suburban Minneapolis home on April 21 (all times local):

3:45 p.m.

Legal experts say the finding that Prince died of an accidental overdose of the synthetic opioid fentanyl could make the prospect of criminal charges more likely.

A Chicago-based attorney with no link to the case says the substance, while it has medical applications, is frequently associated with illegal trafficking.

Gal Pissetzky also explains that categorizing the death as accidental indicates only that it was not intentional. It does not preclude charges if the fentanyl was supplied illegally.

The illegal distribution of fentanyl resulting in death carries a mandatory minimum 20 years behind bars in federal court.

The same offence can mean third-degree murder charges in Minnesota and up to 25 years in prison.

___

1:40 p.m.

A Minnesota medical examiner says Prince died of an accidental fentanyl overdose.

The report from the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office was issued Thursday, more than a month after the music superstar was found dead at age 57 at his Paisley Park mansion.

The single-page report said Prince “self-administered fentanyl,” referring to a synthetic opioid many times more potent than heroin.

The report was signed by Quinn Strobl, the office’s chief medical examiner.

___

11:45 a.m.

A person with knowledge of the medical examiner’s plan says the results of Prince’s autopsy are expected to be released Friday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to release the information. A spokeswoman for the medical examiner’s office did not return messages seeking comment.

A law enforcement official who is close to the investigation told the AP on Thursday that tests show Prince died of an opioid overdose. The 57-year-old singer was found dead April 21 at his Minneapolis-area estate.

Investigators have been reviewing whether an overdose was to blame and whether he was prescribed drugs in the weeks before his death.

— Associated Press writers Amy Forliti in Minneapolis and Michael Tarm in Chicago

___

11 a.m.

A law-enforcement official tells The Associated Press that tests show Prince died of an opioid overdose.

The 57-year-old singer was found dead April 21 at his Minneapolis-area estate.

The official, who is close to the investigation, spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

Investigators have been reviewing whether an overdose was to blame and whether Prince was prescribed drugs in the weeks before his death.

— Associated Press Writer Michael Tarm