Battle Over Casey Kasem’s Estate Continues

MetLife is suing Casey Kasem’s widow, Jean Kasem, as trustee of the Casey Kasem Trust as allegations have surfaced that she was involved in her husband’s death. 

The lawsuit relates to Casey Kasem’s irrevocable trust, providing more than $2 million in life insurance benefits.  MetLife’s complaint cites the claim by Kasem’s children that his widow was “involved in the death” and thus had no claim to the life insurance benefits. 

Kasem’s cause of death on his death certificate is still pending.  In a letter cited in the lawsuit, the children’s lawyer allegedly wrote, “Medical reports show that after Casey Kasem was removed from the facility he suffered a stage three bed sore and dehydration under the care of Jean Kasem; his death resulted from the bed sore and dehydration.  If it is proved that Jean Kasem intentionally caused the death of Casey Kasem she will be disinherited under Probate Code 250.  Therefore MetLife is legally obligated to interplead those funds pending the criminal investigation.”

While MetLife deems itself as an uninterested stakeholder, the company says they cannot pay the $2 million “given the competing interests,” and wants a judge to settle the dispute to absolve them of liability. 

See Matt Reynolds, Who Gets Casey Kasem’s $2 Million? Courthouse News Service, Nov. 3, 2014.