B.B. King’s Death Is Being Investigated As A Homicide

His daughters allege that he was poisoned by his former business manager and assistant.

May 25, 2015

Update 05/26/15 6.01 a.m.: The attorney for King's estate has labelled the claims "ridiculous," while police claim there is no open homicide investigation, according to the Associated Press. Lawyer Brent Bryson told the AP on Monday that King received the appropriate 24 hour care and monitoring "up until the time that he peacefully passed away in his sleep."

In mid-May, the world lost B.B. King when the legendary bluesman died in his sleep. The cause of his death, however, is now being challenged by two of his heirs, daughters Karen Williams and Patty King. According to The Associated Press, Williams and King are alleging that their father didn't die under natural circumstances; he was poisoned. "I believe my father was poisoned and that he was administered foreign substances," they reportedly wrote in affidavits shared by their lawyer, Larissa Drohobyczer. "I believe my father was murdered." They've accused B.B. King's former business manager, LaVerne Toney, and assistant, Myron Johnson, of the alleged crime. "The family is sticking together ... to oust Ms. Toney based on her illegal conduct, conflicts of interest and self-dealing," Drohobyczer said, claiming her father's death was expedited by Toney via "misconduct, or by failing to properly attend to his medical needs." While Toney reportedly responded with "They've been making allegations all along. What's new?," Las Vegas homicide detectives are investigating.

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B.B. King’s Death Is Being Investigated As A Homicide