Kerri Kasem held control over her father, Casey Kasem, while he was hospitalize for his medical decisions. That order ended after Casey passed away. Kerri sought a restraining order to prevent her step-mother, Jean Kasem, from claiming her father’s body. Kerri told the New York Daily News she had just received a restraining order, forbidding the removal of her father’s body, but it was too late. Casey Kasem’s body is missing from the funeral home, and Kerri is blaming her step-mother, stating Jean took her father’s body out of the country for a secret burial.
“She’s just spiteful, malicious and vindictive,” Kerri told the media outlet. Kerri believes her step-mother is doing this to prevent loved ones attending Casey’s funeral.
Reportedly, Jean had all intentions of moving Casey’s body to a funeral home in Montreal, Canada. A move, Kerri swiftly denied stating her father lived in “Los Angeles for 45 years,” and her step-mother is not “acting in my father’s best interest or respecting his wishes.” The ongoing battle between the family and Casey has not ended, even beyond his death.
Kerri, the oldest of Casey’s children, said her father’s final wishes included being buried in Hollywood Hills at Forest Lawn.
The News states an uncovered death certificate shows that Jean oddly used a Jerusalem address for Casey’s residence address. Kerri fears her father’s body may not be in Canada, and instead heading to Israel or France.
The eldest daughter said her father’s missing body is no surprise and the family “expected something like this to happen.”
Jean is denying the claims, telling media sources her husband’s body is not missing, and demanded to grieve in peace. The Gaffney Funeral Home in Tacoma, Washington could confirm they once held Casey’s body, and could only share it was no longer in their possession. The funeral home stated they are unable to release the details surrounding the removal of Casey’s body or the identity of the requester.
It is unknown if Jean can face a subpoena for the removal of Casey’s body. Reportedly, she was instructed not to remove Casey’s body until a judge made the decision.
Casey Kasem died on Father’s day, and the cause of death listed as sepsis. The radio host and all American favorite has been the center of his family’s strife for months. May he soon be able to rest in peace.
by: Tina Mayberry
