CHICAGO (AP) — A Cook County judge has determined the will Chicago Cubs great Ernie Banks signed that gives all of his assets to his caretaker is valid.
Probate Judge James Riley on Tuesday confirmed the will after hearing testimony from two paralegals for the law firm that executed the will. The two said they witnessed the will’s signing on Oct. 17.
The witnesses testified Banks stated during the signing he was not going to leave money to his family. The witnesses also testified Banks’ longtime caretaker, Regina Rice, was present at the signing.
Banks’ family maintains Rice coerced him into handing over his assets.
The 83-year-old Banks died Jan. 23 of a heart attack. Control of his estate was initially awarded to his wife after she claimed Banks died without a will.
