Michael Jackson’s doctor may claim the singer killed himself when a hearing into his death begins next week, it’s been reported.

Dr Conrad Murray was working as the singer's personal physician when he died on June 25, 2009 of an overdose of prescription drugs, including propofol.

He has admitted giving Jackson the drug to help him sleep, but has pleaded not guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter.

In a court hearing to discuss evidence in the case earlier this week, District Attorney David Walgren said it was evident that Dr Murray’s defence was looking into the theory that Jackson killed himself.

But Dr Murray's lawyer J. Michael Flanagan declined to comment on Walgren's statement outside the court room, reports Reuters.

"I'm not going to respond to that characterization. But apparently it is a consideration of Mr. Walgren," he said.

A judge will decide at the preliminary hearing on January 4 whether there is enough evidence against Dr Murray to proceed with a full trial.

(by Jason Gregory)