Family: Michael Jackson Feared Being Murdered

Members of Michael Jackson's family say the singer predicted his own death shortly before he died, becoming increasingly fearful that he'd be murdered.

His incredibly valuable Sony catalog was behind that paranoia.

The comments from his family are in response to speculation that Dr. Conrad Murray will argue in court that Michael Jackson killed himself accidentally.

Murray stands accused of involuntary manslaughter for drugging MJ with Propofol. His defense may well argue that Jackson gave himself the final dose.

A rep for MJ's family says the Jacksons are "absolutely mortified" by any implication along those lines, insisting "Michael did NOT kill himself."

The rep adds, "What is incredibly ironic is that Michael told his mother shortly before he died that he thought someone was going to kill him."

"They were going to kill him for his catalog."

It's unclear why the death of Michael Jackson would make the catalog available to the assailant - it's property of his estate - but that's not the point.

The family is also concerned that video surveillance of Michael's last living moments - crucial evidence in Dr. Conrad Murray's trial - is still missing.

Murray's preliminary hearing began yesterday. The prosecution will outline its case and a judge will decide if there's enough to warrant a jury trial.

There is NO WAY this is not going to trial.

The defense knows it too, and won't even put up a fight in this round. Yesterday, This Is It producer Kenny Ortega took the stand against Murray.