Melanie Martin, ex-fiancée of the late singer Aaron Carter and mother of their son Princeton Lyric Carter, has secured a settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit filed on their behalf.
Lawsuit Details and Allegations
Martin initiated the lawsuit in October 2023, targeting multiple medical professionals, mental health providers, and pharmacies. The suit claims these parties prescribed Carter potentially addictive medications, including hydrocodone, oxycodone, and alprazolam, without sufficient medical justification. It further alleges that prescribers and pharmacies overlooked red flags related to Carter’s mental health and psychiatric condition, as well as the quantities of drugs involved.
Carter’s Death
Carter, who battled drug use and behavioral issues for years, was discovered deceased in his bathtub at his home on November 5, 2022, at age 34. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled the death an accidental drowning, linked to alprazolam (Xanax) ingestion and inhalation of difluoroethane.
Settlement Progress
Court documents indicate that a psychiatrist and a mental health clinic, named as defendants, reached a confidential settlement in April. Remaining defendants, including a Santa Monica dentist, a local pharmacy, and Walgreens, have not settled.
Estate Disputes
This development follows a court ruling in the distribution of Carter’s estate. His mother, Jane Carter Schneck, objected to closing the estate, accusing Martin of withdrawing $24,530 from Carter’s accounts shortly after his death—starting November 7, 2022, and ending November 29. Schneck also claimed the estate administrator, Aileen B. Federizo, showed bias toward Martin, including rejecting Schneck’s $30,000 offer for Carter’s publicity rights.
Judge Jessica A. Uzcategui denied Schneck’s objection in March, declaring the estate insolvent with debts exceeding assets. The judge ordered non-cash assets distributed to Martin, mother of four-year-old Princeton ‘Prince’ Lyric Carter.
Despite allegations of financial improprieties, Schneck stated she believes Martin is a good mother to their grandson, meets his needs, and wishes no legal harm to her. Schneck accepted partial blame for their strained relationship and prioritized the child’s well-being.
Family History
Schneck and Carter’s father, Robert, managed the teen singer for a decade until Aaron sought emancipation in 2003, alleging unauthorized withdrawal of over $100,000. After their 2004 divorce, Carter dropped the petition and lived with his father. The family later announced resolution of all financial issues, with Schneck expressing hope to reunite and collaborate with her children.
