Melanie Martin, the former fiancée of the late singer Aaron Carter, has reached a settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit filed on behalf of herself and their son, Princeton Lyric Carter.
Details of the Lawsuit and Settlement
Martin initiated the lawsuit in October 2023, targeting multiple medical professionals, mental health providers, and pharmacies. The suit alleged that these parties prescribed Carter potentially addictive medications, including hydrocodone, oxycodone, and alprazolam (Xanax), without sufficient medical justification, despite clear signs of his deteriorating mental health.
Court documents indicate that a psychiatrist and a mental health clinic named as defendants agreed to a confidential settlement in April 2026. Other defendants, including a Santa Monica dentist, a local pharmacy, and the chain Walgreens, have not settled.
Carter, who battled long-term drug issues and erratic behavior, died on November 5, 2022, at age 34. He was found in his bathtub, with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruling the death an accidental drowning due to alprazolam use and inhalation of difluoroethane.
Ongoing Estate Disputes
This development follows a court ruling in the administration of Carter’s estate. His mother, Jane Carter Schneck, contested the closure of the estate, accusing Martin of withdrawing $24,530 from Carter’s accounts shortly after his death—starting November 7, 2022, and ending November 29.
Schneck also criticized the estate administrator, Aileen B. Federizo, for alleged bias toward Martin, including rejecting Schneck’s $30,000 offer for Carter’s publicity rights submitted in October 2025. Despite these claims of financial improprieties, Schneck stated she does not seek legal harm against Martin, emphasizing her concern for their grandson’s well-being.
Schneck noted, “I have been persuaded to believe that [Martin] is a good mother to Prince Carter, and that she takes care of his daily physical and emotional needs.” She added that she accepts her share of blame for their strained relationship.
In March 2026, Judge Jessica A. Uzcategui declared the estate insolvent, with debts exceeding assets, and ordered non-cash assets distributed to Martin, mother of four-year-old Princeton “Prince” Lyric Carter.
Family History and Past Conflicts
Schneck and Carter’s father, Robert, managed his career for a decade until Aaron sought emancipation as a teen, alleging unauthorized withdrawals exceeding $100,000. After their 2004 divorce, Carter withdrew the petition and lived with his father. A family attorney later announced that all financial issues were resolved, with Schneck stating, “I’m looking forward to putting my family back together and working together side by side with all my children.”
