Police find no proof of foul play in death of radio host Kasem
GIG HARBOR, Wash. — Police found no evidence of wrongdoing after investigating allegations that radio personality Casey Kasem’s relatives were responsible for his 2014 death but will turn the matter over to prosecutors, Washington officials said Friday.
The administrative investigation didn’t find evidence of a crime, said Gig Harbor police Chief Kelly Busey. He added he would forward the case to Pierce County prosecutors for review.
The longtime “American Top 40” host had a form of dementia and a severe bedsore when he died at age 82 at a Gig Harbor hospital, southwest of Seattle.
Gig Harbor police began investigation last month after Kasem’s wife, former actress Jean Kasem, submitted a private investigator’s report claiming three of Casey Kasem’s children from a past marriage were responsible for his death.
Jean Kasem has not commented; The Associated Press has left an email with her attorney.
This is the latest development in years of legal wrangling between Jean Kasem and her three stepchildren. The groups fought over visitation access to Casey Kasem before his death, with his daughter Kerri Kasem assuming control of his medical care.
A wrongful death lawsuit against Jean Kasem filed by three of Casey Kasem’s children is still pending, as well as a countersuit she filed in response, KOMO-TV reported.