Dr. Conrad Murray, the cardiologist under investigation in the death of Michael Jackson, is on suicide watch at his luxurious Las Vegas home.

Pals of Dr. Murray, 55, fear he may try to take his own life rather than face second-degree murder or manslaughter charges over Jackson’s death in Los Angeles on June 25.

“He won’t come out because he can’t come out,” a neighbor said he is believed to be on the edge of a breakdown. “He’s become the most hated man in the world.”

On Monday, Dr. Murray recorded a public statement, thanking his patients for their support.