Casey Kasem's Widow Will Not Face Elder Abuse Charges

Los Angeles prosecutors said Friday they will not file elder abuse charges against Casey Kasem's widow.

A charge evaluation sheet released by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said there was insufficient evidence to charge Jean Kasem.

Prosecutors cited Jean Kasem's efforts to ensure her husband was continuously supervised by doctors.

"Because of Mr. Kasem's longstanding profound health issues, this case cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury," the decision said.

Jean Kasem was married to the radio personality for more than 30 years but was stripped of control over his medical care in the final days of his life.

Casey Kasem died in June 2014 in Washington state, where his wife took him after removing him from a medical facility where he was receiving around-the-clock care.

The longtime "American Top 40" host had a form of dementia and severe bedsores when he died.

His daughter, Kerri Kasem, was named his conservator and sought elder abuse charges against her stepmother.

Los Angeles police investigated the allegations against Jean Kasem.

A judge in May 2014 temporarily stripped her of her caretaker role after she moved Casey Kasem from a medical facility in Los Angeles to a friend's home in Washington.

Jean Kasem said she relocated her husband to protect his privacy and to consult with doctors.

Casey Kasem developed a severe bedsore while in Washington and was in critical condition by the time he was hospitalized in early June.

Casey Kasem's legacy reached well beyond music. His voice was heard as the character Shaggy in the "Scooby-Doo" TV cartoons and in numerous commercials.

His "American Top 40" began July 4, 1970, in Los Angeles, when the No. 1 song was Three Dog Night's cover of Randy Newman's "Mama Told Me Not to Come."

In his signoff, Casey Kasem's would tell viewers: "And don't forget: Keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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