CELIA CRUZ - JUDGE TO RULE ON CRUZ WILL HANDLING

An executor handling the affairs of late Grammy-winning singer CELIA CRUZ could be removed from office if a judge rules he's been spending money intended for Cruz's husband. Ailing trumpeter PEDRO KNIGHT was named sole beneficiary in Cruz's will when she died of a brain tumour in 2003. However, one of the will's executors, LUIS FALCON, has made "extravagant expenditures" and failed to account for transfers of more than $1 million (GBP512,820) from Cruz's estate, according to a lawsuit filed by co-executor OMER PARDILLO. Pardillo also claims Falcon is exercising improper influence over Knight, who is 85 and suffering from dementia. Last week (ends05JAN07) New Jersey Superior Court Judge PETER E DOYNE appointed a New York lawyer to represent Knight's interests as guardian. Doyne will decide next month (09FEB07) whether to remove Falcon from his duties.

08/01/2007 17:19