Casey Kasem's whereabouts unknown; judge orders investigation

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A judge has ordered an investigation into the whereabouts of Casey Kasem after being told by an attorney that the ailing radio legend has been moved out of the country without his children's knowledge.

Attorney Craig Marcus, who is representing Kasem's wife, Jean, said in court Monday that he did not know where the radio personality was, but that he was "no longer in the United States." Marcus went on to say that his client has the right to move her husband where she sees fit.

It's the latest development in the ongoing fight between Kasem's children and his wife. Kasem, 82, suffers from Lewy body dementia and can no longer speak. His children say their stepmother has moved the former DJ from various treatment facilities and prevented them from seeing their father.

Kasem's adult children have complained for a long time that their stepmother kept them from seeing their ailing father and they wanted some oversight over his care.

Superior Court Judge Daniel S. Murphy on Monday granted one of Kasem's daughters, Kerri Kasem, temporary conservatorship. As temporary conservator, she will have access to her father's medical records and other reports that have previously been sealed by court order.

After the hearing Kerri Kasem tweeted, "I believe my father's wife fled the country (or possibly went to an Indian Reservation) with my Dad because she knew I would win in court today. The judge ordered, Adult Protective Services, the PVP Attorney and the police to look for him. Please pray that he is safe."

Kasem's children filed a complaint last week accusing Jean of elder abuse for isolating him from the family.

Kasem rose to fame with his music countdown shows, including "American Top 40." He has been married to Jean for 34 years, and they have an adult daughter together. Casey Kasem has three other adult children from a previous marriage.

Kerri Kasem's case is the second one opened by one of the former host's children to try to gain access to their father. A previous case by daughter Julie Kasem was dismissed after she reached a settlement with her stepmother, but the daughter said Monday that agreement has been breached.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.