Settlement Reached in Aaron Carter Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Melanie Martin, the former fiancée of the late singer Aaron Carter, has secured a settlement in the wrongful death lawsuit filed on behalf of herself and their son, Princeton Lyric Carter. Court documents reveal that a psychiatrist and a mental health clinic, named as defendants, agreed to a confidential settlement in April.
Lawsuit Details and Allegations
Martin initiated the lawsuit in October 2023, targeting multiple medical professionals, mental health providers, and pharmacies. The claims assert that these parties prescribed Carter addictive medications, including hydrocodone, oxycodone, and alprazolam (Xanax), without sufficient medical justification. Prescribers allegedly overlooked Carter’s deteriorating mental health and psychiatric condition, while pharmacies failed to flag excessive quantities or combinations of drugs.
Carter, aged 34, died on November 5, 2022, from an accidental drowning in his bathtub. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled that he had ingested alprazolam and inhaled difluoroethane prior to his death, following years of drug struggles and erratic behavior.
Other defendants, including a Santa Monica dentist, a local pharmacy, and Walgreens, have not settled, according to the filings.
Related Estate Dispute
This development follows a court ruling in the administration of Carter’s estate. In March, Judge Jessica A. Uzcategui declared the estate insolvent, with debts exceeding assets. The judge denied an objection from Carter’s mother, Jane Carter Schneck, and ordered non-cash assets distributed to Martin, guardian of four-year-old Princeton ‘Prince’ Lyric Carter.
Schneck had accused Martin of withdrawing $24,530 from Carter’s accounts shortly after his death, starting November 7, 2022, and ending November 29. She also criticized estate administrator Aileen B. Federizo for bias, claiming undervalued assets and rejection of her $30,000 offer for Carter’s publicity rights.
Despite these allegations of financial improprieties, Schneck affirmed in court filings that Martin is a capable mother to Prince, meeting his physical and emotional needs. Schneck expressed no desire for legal harm against Martin, accepted partial blame for their strained relationship, and focused solely on her grandson’s welfare.
Family History
Schneck and Carter’s father, Robert, managed the teen star for a decade until Aaron sought emancipation in 2003, alleging unauthorized withdrawals exceeding $100,000. After their 2004 divorce, Aaron withdrew the petition and reconciled with his father. A family attorney confirmed resolution of all financial issues, with Schneck stating eagerness to reunite and collaborate with her children.
