A.J. Jewell, the fiancé of 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' cast member Kandi Burruss, died after a fight with another man in the parking lot of an Atlanta strip club in October. The man, Fredrick Richardson, was arrested on a charge of voluntary manslaughter, but conflicting theories on Jewell's cause of death have led to an order for the body's exhumation, CNN reports.Body of 'Housewives' Ex Will Be Exhumed
By PopEater Staff Posted Nov 23rd 2009 04:56PM
A.J. Jewell, the fiancé of 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' cast member Kandi Burruss, died after a fight with another man in the parking lot of an Atlanta strip club in October. The man, Fredrick Richardson, was arrested on a charge of voluntary manslaughter, but conflicting theories on Jewell's cause of death have led to an order for the body's exhumation, CNN reports.Police investigating Jewell's death originally said the death was caused by blunt force trauma, but a medical examiner later reported that sickle cell disease also contributed to his death. The deceased man's family has pushed for a second autopsy, claiming that Jewell did not have sickle cell.
"Whenever a family has to exhume the body of a loved one, it's a difficult, difficult decision to make," family spokesman Markel Hutchins said. "But I think it displays a great deal of courage and commitment on the part of this family toward truth and justice."
Hutchins claims Jewell's relationship with Burress might have hindered the family's question for answers. "It's almost as if A.J. and his family were being penalized because of his high-profile nature and because of his celebrity lifestyle," he said.
Jewell's father said that the surviving family cannot have closure until they know what happened. "I want the public to know my son did not have sickle cell disease," he said, "and I hope this next autopsy will prove that my son was murdered."
- Filed under:
- Celebrity Deaths -
- TV News
PopStew
SnapPolls
Add your comments
Hot Topics
PEOPLE.COM
FEED- Ellen Reveals Her Approach to American Idol - and Simon Cowell
- Nancy Kerrigan's Father's Death to Be Treated as a Homicide
- Angelina Jolie Visits Haiti Earthquake Survivors
FOX NEWS
FEED- Michael Jackson Balding, Incredibly Thin and Had Tattooed Facial Features
- Sentencing Delayed in Lil Wayne Gun Case
- Sneak Peek: Anne Hathaway Says She Has 'Weird Features'
Radar Online
FEED- EXCLUSIVE: Angelina Jolie Is An "Angel" Says Haitian Charity Chief
- EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Jon Gosselin Is The TV Ratings Draw, Not Kate, Says His Lawyer
- EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Harry Potter Set Being Built For Final Movies
EONLINE.COM
FEED- Lil Wayne Avoids Jail...With a Little Help From the Tooth Fairy
- Rumor Patrol: Is TV's 24 Ending? Will Freddie Prinze Jr. Become the New Jack Bauer?
- Superman Reboot Getting the Dark Knight Treatment
The Editors
POPEATER HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE
Sites We Love

- Michael Jackson Balding, Incredibly Thin and Had Tattooed Facial Features
- Sentencing Delayed in Lil Wayne Gun Case
- More From Foxnews.com
- Kerrigan Family: Medical Examiner Is Full of It
- TMZ Live -- You Got Questions, We Got Answers
- More From TMZ.com

- Brooklyn Decker Sports Illustrated Cover Girl
- Dr. Conrad Gets a Slap on the Wrist
- More From Associatedcontent.com
- Jeff Probst Wants More 'Survivor' (But Not Too Much More)
- MTV Finally Drops 'Music Television' From Its Logo
- More Stories


Comments
(9)Add a comment
Monday 23 November
By Rachel
I hope Mr. Jewell's family finds some answers and some piece of mind however I think that saying his "relationship with Burress might have hindered the family's question for answers" I think that the truth is just the opposite. I think few people would care what his manner of death was let alone read a story about him on the internet if he was not involved in the show "The Real Housewives of Atlanta".
Reply
Tuesday 24 November
By Monica
So sorry for A.J. loss and what his family are going through. I'm glad that Real HW of Atlanta truly showed AJ as a kind, soft hearted man. Kandi Burris is the only HW on that show with true class and talent. I wish she was my friend, because I'd like to get to know her, or someone of her fine caliber. Sorry about the loss of AJ. Love to his family and to Kandi.
Reply
Tuesday 24 November
By Helen
It's so sad that people have to go through such hard times. It's as if it never stops. You think it can never get worse, but, Christ it does. It's exhausting. Sometimes I think that if I had the money, a place to go I'd lock the front door and walk away. Good luck to the Jewell family and I hope you find some peace.
Reply
Tuesday 24 November
By Singboy37
I love Kandi.
Reply
Tuesday 24 November
By Angel
Rather than exume the body, why don't the mother and father submit DNA samples for analysis on whether or not they have the alleles for Sickle Cell. If they do not, then their son could not have it. Obviously if they have the allele, then it might not have been expressed in their son. Just a thought so save them some heartache.
Reply
Tuesday 24 November
By Al
This story proves that, for some people, being born with a vagina is the only value they have.
Reply
Wednesday 16 December
By jana
I hope the family gets the peace they need to go on ! He was a true family man ! Just remeber that hearts and thouts are with in this time !AND KANDI IS THE ONLY AHW WITH ANY CLASS !!!!!
Saturday 19 December
By kescha
I would like to say to Kandi and family members I hope that yall are going on with yall lives and just knowing that AJ is in a better place and he is looking down on you all. The only thing he want yall to do is keep yall heads up and keep remaining doing things that yall normally do. I love you miss Kandi and I hope that you're okay also if you ever need a friend here I am. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply
Saturday 19 December
By kescha
I'll like to say god bless the family of AJ's and Kandi. I hope that you guys are doing okay, and I'll keep you guys in pray, and Kandi if you ever need a friend to talk to I'm here. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply