Convict seeks access to kids' trust fund

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NASHVILLE, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- A Tennesee woman convicted of murdering her husband said her children's trust fund is being dissipated before the couple's children can inherit it.

Kelley Cannon of Nashville, who in April 2010 was found guilty of first-degree murder in the strangulation death of her husband, James Cannon, is trying to re-open her conviction before the state Supreme Court and simultaneously to gain access to the trust fund, the Nashville Tennessean reported Wednesday.

James Cannon set up a trust fund, long before the murder, for the couple's three children, now 5, 12 and 14. James Cannon's sister, Anna Kate Stallings, is raising the children, the Tennessean reported.

The trust company that took over the fund after Cannon's murder gave access to Stallings. Stallings spent close to $1 million on a house in Green Hills, the newspaper said.

Under state law, one who murders a relative cannot receive an inheritance from the deceased's estate.

Kelley Cannon's lawyer, Andew Cate, asked a Davidson County judge to allow Cannon to at least be permitted to monitor how the money in the trust fund is being used. Because Cannon's case is active due to an attempt before the state Supreme Court to re-open it, Cate argues Cannon has a right to know how the money is being spent.

Probate Judge Randy Kennedy said Cate could be informed about the activity regarding the trust, but he cannot share the details with Cannon.

"The terms of the trust state that Kelley needs to be notified before any funds are disbursed. She wants to make sure it's not squandered away," Cate said.