Ike Turner's costumes, jewelry must be turned over

By: TERI FIGUEROA - Staff Writer
Judge orders appointed administrators to safeguard some of late musician's property | Friday, January 11, 2008 11:34 PM PST ∞

VISTA -- Costumes, guitars and jewelry owned by music legend Ike Turner, as well as cash and royalties, must be turned over to two men administering his estate while the court begins to sort out what his heirs will receive, a judge ruled Friday.

Turner's daughter, Mia Turner, looked on in a Vista courtroom as Superior Court Judge Richard Cline made a ruling in what is turning into a battle over the modest estate of the Hall of Fame musician.

Ike Turner died Dec. 12 in the home he rented in San Marcos.

Some of the conflict pits Turner's children against a woman he married in 2006. Among the points of contention are two conflicting wills supposedly penned by Turner and a divorce the woman contends was not finalized.

"This is rather contentious between all parties," attorney Leodis Matthews, who is representing some of Turner's family, including Mia Turner, said after the court hearing.

"His adult children have very strong minds to preserve his image as a significant musician."

Last week, Cline named two men as co-administrators of the estate: attorney James L. Clayton Jr., who said he was Turner's general counsel, and Colin Fort, an independent trustee with no personal stake in the case.

Cline gave them limited powers, primarily involving cataloging and storing some of Turner's belongings.

Matthews said the two administrators want to take possession of Ike Turner's personal items, including photographs -- much to the dismay of his adult children, who wanted to have one among their ranks appointed to guard their father's estate.

For now, Turner's photographs, memorabilia and his sound system can remain with his children, according to Cline's ruling -- but the judge may reassess his decision at a brief hearing set for Monday.

Cline also ruled that Ike Turner Jr. would be allowed, for now, to keep a gold medallion as well as one of his father's cars, a Mercedes.

Another Mercedes owned by the late performer is already with one of the two men Cline assigned to manage the estate.

Autopsy results for Turner and the investigation into his death are pending. Authorities have said they do not suspect foul play.

Turner, 76, reportedly suffered from emphysema.

The woman Turner sought to divorce, Audrey Madison Turner, did not attend the short hearing.

She and Ike Turner were married for two months in late 2006 before he filed for divorce.

Contact staff writer Teri Figueroa at (760) 631-6624 or tfigueroa@nctimes.com.