Two others – Brianna Nelson and Victoria Nelson – also have been ordered to undergo genetic testing.
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In her initial probate filing, Prince’s sister, Tyka Nelson, listed herself and six half-siblings (one deceased) as known heirs.
Prince died of an accidental overdose of the painkiller fentanyl on 21 April after being found unresponsive in an elevator at Paisley Park Studios; he apparently did not leave a will, leaving to nearly immediate speculation about the fate of his estate following his death. The pair has claimed Briana Nelson’s father was Prince’s half-brother.
Four of the people believe they are Prince’s siblings or half-siblings, and testing will also be carried out on two women who could be his niece and grand-niece. Those who have been asked to undergo genetic testing are his sister Tyka Nelson and half-siblings John Nelson, Norrine Nelson and Sharon Nelson. However, in Prince’s case neither exist – as his parents are deceased, as is the only child known to be born to the singer, a boy, who died shortly after birth in 1996 from a genetic disorder.
Prince was found unresponsive in a lift at his Paisley Park Studios on the morning of 21 April, local officials said.
“We’re dealing with adults who voluntarily entered themselves into this process for the sole objective of obtaining a piece of Prince’s estate”, she said.
A Minnesota judge overseeing Prince’s estate says he’ll consider letting video cameras into the courtroom on a case-by-case basis. But legislative revisions in 2010 leave the matter open to challenges. “In many ways, we are in unchartered water here”.
“I want to do it right because it’s important to a lot of people”, he said.
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“Child 4” “inferred” from conversations overheard that his mother had sex with Prince, but could not provide an affidavit from his mother; “Child 5” claimed “that his mother told him, at age 28, that his father “was very smart and intelligent” but could not provide other proof”. Next in line would be his surviving siblings, and the progeny of any deceased siblings.
