Prince’s DNA & Paternity Testing

The sudden death of music icon Prince has once again left a multi-million dollar estate up in the air, and bought new people forward asking for paternity testing to prove a biological relationship. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office is in possession of Prince’s blood, and is now authorized to provide it to DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) in Fairfield, OH for testing, as reported by the StarTribune in Minneapolis.

Prince was cremated shortly after his death, but the Midwest Medical Examiner collected blood. It’s not uncommon for blood to be saved, and in this case, because Judge Kevin Eide said that Brenner Trust can obtain the blood because “parentage issues might arise.”

It can be difficult to establish paternity while the alleged father is alive. Celebrities and athletes are often the accused, but they don’t have to participate in DNA testing unless ordered to do so. Therefore, more people may surface for testing following a death when an estate is being divided.

In April 2007, Dr. Michael Baird announced the results of the Anna Nicole Smith and Larry Birkhead paternity test. The leader in quality DNA paternity testing, DDC was chosen for its commitment to accuracy and complete confidentiality.

Time will tell how many people come forward claiming to be relatives of the pop legend. One man has already filed a claim in a Minnesota probate court. Carlin Q. Williams’ mother is claiming she had a one night stand with the singer in July of 1976, in Kansas City.
It will now be up to the courts to decide who is tested for biological ties to Prince. One report claimed that up to 700 people may be ready to submit their samples, but the number will likely be much smaller. Whatever the number, DNA testing is proven once again as the gold standard for providing the credible evidence needed.