Finding overdose killed Prince just the beginning of probe

Prince

In this Feb. 4, 2007 file photo, Prince performs during the halftime show at the Super Bowl XLI football game at Dolphin Stadium in Miami. For the first full sales week following Prince’s death on April 21, 2016, five of his albums were in Billboard’s top 10, at Nos. 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7. Only Beyonce’s “Lemonade” kept him from the top. Billboard says no artist has had that many albums in the Top 10. AP FILE PHOTO

MINNEAPOLIS — Word from authorities that Prince died of an overdose of a powerful opioid is far from the end of the investigation. In some ways, it’s just the beginning.

In the coming months, investigators will try to determine whether the singer had a prescription for the fentanyl or whether it was supplied illegally. If it’s the latter, someone could face criminal charges carrying years, even decades in prison.

READ: Investigators look at overdose in Prince death

A one-page report released Thursday by the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office says Prince administered the drug himself. It said the death investigation is complete and had no further comment.

Prince was found dead April 21 at his Minneapolis-area estate.

Confirmation Prince died of an opioid overdose was first reported by The Associated Press. The autopsy report was released hours later.

READ: Timeline of key events in last 2 weeks of Prince’s life

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