Probe of Belli’s Death Started at Kin’s Request

The coroner here Wednesday announced an investigation into the death of flamboyant attorney Melvin Belli after complaints from family members.

The 88-year-old Belli, called the “King of Torts” for his innovative courtroom techniques and high-profile clients, died Tuesday. He had been suffering from pancreatic cancer, stroke and pneumonia, said his wife of 11 weeks, Nancy Ho Belli.

But Belli’s daughter-in-law Gretchen Belli, married to his son and former partner Caesar Belli, said Wednesday that the family did not accept that explanation.

“We have officially opened an inquiry into the death of Melvin,” she said.

In response to queries, San Francisco Medical Examiner Boyd Stephens released a brief statement on Belli’s death Wednesday afternoon.

“This office is conducting an investigation,” Stephens said. “It is unlikely that any results of that investigation will be available for several weeks.”

Belli’s death came just before a planned Friday court showdown over the assets of his law firm, which was forced into bankruptcy earlier this year. Caesar and Gretchen Belli have accused Nancy Ho Belli of attempting to sell off those assets, including some promised to Caesar and the couple’s children.

Gretchen Belli said Nancy Ho Belli had shut out the rest of the family after the March 28 marriage.

Some relatives were barred from seeing Belli as his condition deteriorated in recent weeks, she said, and his regular physician was not in attendance at the time of his death.

Edward Lozzi, spokesman for Belli’s firm, said Belli’s funeral will be Saturday.