Temptations singer Dennis Edwards may have suffered abuse at the hands of his wife just weeks before his death on Thursday.
The singer, 74, passed away from meningitis-related complications, according to his wife, Brenda Edwards. The pair lived together in Chicago after moving from St. Louis in search of better health care.
Court documents from adult protective services allege Brenda tortured her late husband; she reportedly made an attempt to suffocate the 74-year-old by burying his face in a bed and deprived him of his hearing aid.
On Jan. 12, an emergency protective order against Brenda was filed on the singer’s behalf. The order, which was granted six days later, was vacated the day after Dennis’ death. In a statement obtained Monday night by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Brenda claimed the abuse allegations were untrue.
“I loved Dennis and we were married for 18 years,” she said. “I would have never done anything to harm. These allegations are false and defamatory and will be proven as such. Until this is all over, I have no further comment.”
The Chicago Police Department is investigating the claims.
