DIMEBAG's Estate To Be Split Evenly Between Brother And Father

Anthony Spangler of the Star-Telegram has issued the following report:

The estate of slain metal guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott should be split evenly between his brother and father, according to court documents filed by the family Thursday in Tarrant County.

Abbott, 38, former guitarist of PANTERA, was fatally shot Dec. 8 at a Columbus, Ohio, nightclub while playing with the band DAMAGEPLAN. Four other people were fatally shot, including the band's bodyguard and the gunman, who was killed by a police officer.

Although Abbott didn't leave a will, the family's attorney, Steve McClure, said there is no infighting over the estate.

"He reiterated to just about everybody that he didn't have a will because he didn't want to give anyone a reason," he said. "These are class folks and you're not going to see them at the courthouse fighting over nickels and dimes."

The estate is estimated at $700,000 — with his 4,230-square-foot Dalworthington Gardens home valued at $450,000 and his personal property listed at $250,000 — although the value of any copyrights he may own was not specified.

The probate petition also requests that Abbott's older brother, Vinnie Paul Abbott, 40, be named administrator of the estate.

Jeff Rasco, Darrell Abbott's business manager and accountant, said Vinnie Paul Abbott, DAMAGEPLAN drummer and an ex-member of PANTERA, played at a tribute concert in Chicago on Wednesday to benefit a memorial fund for the shooting victims. It was the first time he played the drums publicly since his brother's death, Rasco said.

Darrell Abbott's girlfriend, Rita Sue Haney, also attended the concert, Rasco said. Haney, whose address in court documents is listed as Darrell Abbott's home, is not named as a beneficiary of the estate. She could not be reached for comment.

"It's a little preliminary to talk about specifics, but Rita's going to be provided for," Rasco said. "Darrell knew her since the third grade."

According to court documents, the family is asking the probate court to name Vinnie Paul Abbott the administrator of the estate because it is "necessary to recover damages due the estate."

The Abbotts have not filed a wrongful death lawsuit, but Tuesday's court filing is a necessary step before claims can be filed, Rasco said.

"It's an awful thing to have to deal with the death of your brother or son," he said.