Family of 'Wizard of Oz' Munchkin Sues Caretaker

ST. LOUIS – The heirs of late "Wizard of Oz" actor Mickey Carroll are suing his caretaker for control of his assets.

Carroll was one of the last surviving Munchkins from the 1939 film. He had Alzheimer's disease and died last week in suburban St. Louis at the age of 89.

Four months earlier, Carroll signed papers turning control of his assets over to Linda Dodge, who cared for him and his disabled nephew in her home. She still takes care of the nephew, who's in a wheelchair with cerebral palsy.

Carroll's other relatives claim Dodge and others took advantage of the actor when he was in the throes of dementia. They estimate that he left an estate of more than $1 million.

Dodge denies the claims, calling the disagreement a "family squabble."