A Lithonia family has experienced profound loss and emotional turmoil after falling victim to an alleged fraud scheme involving their late uncle’s estate. Trayon Brown, a family member, shared his grief as he walked around the now-foreclosed property that once belonged to his uncle, Evans Lee Jr. The family lost not only the home but also their inheritance and even the ashes of their late uncle.
Fraudulent Claims
Evans Lee Jr., who died in 2022, left behind no children and no will. However, Randy Watson, a 43-year-old man, filed paperwork in Probate Court shortly after Evans’ death, claiming to be his only child and sole heir. According to a probate court petition, Watson signed a sworn statement without providing any additional proof or documentation. This lack of scrutiny led the probate judge to appoint Watson as the administrator of Evans Lee Jr.’s estate, granting him access to all assets.
Disproving False Claims
The truth came to light when Trayon Brown and his family, who were delayed in filing their own probate paperwork, discovered the fraudulent claims. A court-ordered DNA test confirmed that Randy Watson was not related to Evans Lee Jr., revealing a 0.00% chance of paternity. The court subsequently ruled in favor of Brown and his family, recognizing the lack of evidence to support Watson’s claims.
Irreversible Losses
By the time the fraudulent nature of Watson’s claims was exposed, the damage had already been done. Watson had gained access to the home and its contents, which were later foreclosed and auctioned off. Among the irreplaceable losses were sentimental items and, most notably, the ashes of Evans Lee Jr. Despite a police report filed by Watson alleging that he had been robbed of all valuables, including the ashes, the family does not believe his account.
Disposal of Belongings
Receipts from a local disposal company, obtained by Atlanta News First Investigates, indicated that items worth more than $60,000 were moved from the Lithonia property twice in the year following Evans Lee Jr.’s death. This discovery only added to the family’s anguish, as they could not retrieve any of their uncle’s belongings or keepsakes.
shes”>Cremation Against Wishes
Adding to the family’s distress was the unauthorized cremation of Evans Lee Jr. Brown maintains that his uncle was opposed to cremation and had expressed a desire to be buried alongside his wife. However, Watson identified himself as Evans’ son to the FL Sims Funeral Home and authorized the cremation. The funeral home did not require any proof of kinship or identification, leading to the cremation based on Watson’s false claims.
Inaccurate Death Certificate
The funeral home was also responsible for filling out the death certificate, which contained numerous inaccuracies based on the information Watson provided. These included erroneous details about Evans Lee Jr.’s birthplace and paternal information, compounding the family’s frustration.
Legal and Emotional Aftermath
James Clifton, a probate attorney with 15 years of experience, emphasized the importance of having a will, medical directive, and financial power of attorney to prevent such exploitation. He noted that the absence of these documents made it easier for Watson to manipulate the probate process. Clifton also called for criminal prosecution of such fraudulent actions, highlighting the profound impact on victims.
For Trayon Brown and his family, the ordeal remains a source of deep pain and unresolved grief. As they navigate the legal complexities, they also seek to honor the memory of Evans Lee Jr., a man who spent his life fixing problems for others. The family hopes to find some form of justice and closure, despite the irreversible losses they have suffered.
