Brando's family asks for an autopsy

An autopsy was scheduled Tuesday on the body of Christian Brando at the request of his family, the coroner's office said.

Brando, the troubled son of the late Marlon Brando, died Saturday at a Los Angeles hospital. An attorney representing Marlon Brando's estate said the 49-year-old died from pneumonia.

His family requested the autopsy "based on his past drug history," Los Angeles County coroner's Lt. Fred Corral said Monday.

Corral said the autopsy would include a toxicology analysis.

Christian Brando's ex-wife Deborah sued the executors of Marlon Brando's estate Monday, claiming she is a victim of professional negligence, fraud and deceit.

She claims that as part of a February 2007 settlement with Christian Brando in a domestic violence case, she would become assignee of her ex-husband's rights and claims in the estate.

After-hours calls to David J. Seeley, an attorney representing Brando's estate, and Brando's personal attorney, Benjamin Brin, weren't immediately returned Monday.

Deborah Brando accused producer Mike Medavoy and fellow executors Larry J. Dressler and Avra Douglas of executing a forged codicil to Brando's will days before the actor's death July 1, 2004.

"The will was forged ... designed to separate and alienate (Deborah Brando) from others in Marlon Brando's close and extended family, friends, and business acquaintances, and to keep them from challenging the will or trust," the lawsuit said.