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Media groups argue for access in Prince estate case

On Friday, Carver County Judge Kevin Eide threw out individual claims for almost 30 others who claimed to be heirs.

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A Minnesota judge tossed another 30 claims out of court recently after having ordered genetic testing to a handful of people.

A judge has rejected 29 people’s claims that they should receive inheritance from Prince ‘s estate following the singer’s death in April.

Among other would-be heirs he denied were five people who came forward claiming Prince was their biological or adoptive father, and several others claiming their dad was also Prince’s genetic parent by way of an extramarital affair with his mother. Judge Eide cited a ruling that excludes anyone outside of Prince’s siblings or half-siblings from a claim to the estate, thus excluding a total of 29 people.

On April 21, 2016, news broke that the “Little Red Corvette” crooner was discovered by his staff, unresponsive in an elevator, at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota.

Two other half siblings of the late musician – Omarr Baker or Alfred Jackson – were not ordered to undergo genetic testing.

Lawyers for two possible heirs to Prince’s estate, Brianna and Victoria Nelson, who are the daughter and granddaughter of Prince’s alleged half-brother Duane Nelson, have now said they are happy for cameras to be present in court after initially requesting they be banned. Their attorney, Andrew Stoltman, declined to comment.

Eide’s ruling Friday follows a hearing last month where more than 20 attorneys representing potential heirs to Prince’s estate showed up at the Carver County Courthouse to debate how Minnesota’s probate laws interact with laws for determining parentage. A DNA test has ruled out a Colorado prison inmate who has claimed to be Prince’s son.

“Child 5” went so far as to submit that “at my grandmother’s funeral, I was told by my mother’s best friend my name was French for Young Prince and Mr. Nelson was the reason” – but the judge wasn’t having it.

Among those claimants was Venita Jackson Leverette, whose attorney, James Selmer, called Eide’s decision “a travesty” and said he’s considering an appeal.

Each of these purported half-siblings said that they shared a father with Prince but that father was not John L. Nelson.

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Court order narrows Prince's potential heirs to 6