‘Ain’t No Way in the World’: Thief Claiming to be Dead Man’s Son Steals Home, Ashes After Finding Legal Loophole, Family Says

Loopholes in Georgia’s intestate laws made it possible for a thief to steal an inheritance and home from the relatives of a man who died nearly two years ago. Now, the family of metro Atlanta man Evans Lee Jr. is calling for the prosecution of a man unrelated to their loved one who laid claim to Lee’s assets shortly after his death. According to reporting by Atlanta News First, Lee died on Oct. 26, 2022. He left no will. Days later, 48-year-old Randy Watson filed a probate court petition claiming to be the “only son” and “heir” of all property left behind by Lee. Randy Watson, right, is accused of taking a home that legally belonged to Trahan Brown, left. (Photos: YouTube screenshot/ Atlanta News First) Georgia’s intestate succession laws dictate that if a person dies without a will, that person’s property goes to the closest living relative. However, surviving family members must request to become an administrator and be appointed by a probate court to manage that person’s estate. What makes it possible for thieves to steal estate rights is that Georgia’s probate courts don’t require petitioners to provide proof or documentation that they are the rightful heirs to...