Jul 1, 2009 10:00 am US/Pacific
Neverland Burial Not an Option for Jackson
Too Complicated To Get Permits, Source Says; No Public Memorial Planned At Ranch Either
LOS ANGELES (CBS) ―
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Amon, 8, pays tribute next to the star of music legend Michael Jackson on the Hollywood Walk of Fame near Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, Calif. on June 27, 2009.
Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images
The hurdles preventing Michael Jackson's burial at Neverland Ranch proved too steep as the property's billionaire owner couldn't get the proper permits, CBS News learned Wednesday.
There will also be no public memorial for the pop star at Neverland as it appeared likelier that Jackson's funeral and burial would take place in Los Angeles.
Authorities in Santa Barbara County had been preparing for tens of thousands of fans to descend on the 2,500-acre ranch after media reports that a public viewing would take place later this week.
But nothing is planned for Neverland at least through Friday, a person familiar with the situation told the Associated Press. The source is not authorized to speak for the family and requested anonymity.
The person said it appears more likely a funeral and burial will take place in Los Angeles. The family has the final say.
A private memorial service for family and friends could take place at the ranch, most likely after the funeral.
The person also said billionaire Thomas Barrack, who owns Neverland in a joint venture with Jackson, sought an exemption to bury the singer at the ranch. But the person says it's a complicated process and it couldn't be done for a burial this week.
"The family is aware a Neverland burial is not possible. They are expected to make decisions about whatever funeral and memorial service" will take place, the source said.
Heavy construction equipment and workers were seen passing through the wrought-iron gates of Neverland on Tuesday. The property is about 120 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
At once a symbol of Jackson's success and excesses, the estate nestled in the hills of Santa Barbara County's wine country became the site of a makeshift memorial after his death Thursday.
Earlier Wednesday, Jackson's will was filed in a Los Angeles court. The singer's estate will go to a confidential trust set aside for Jackson's mother, children and assorted charities.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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