Kevorkian estate plans to sell 'death machine,' disputed paintings

By Rich Shulman

This is pretty bizarre, just in time for Halloween.

The estate of Dr. Jack Kevorkian said Thursday it intends to proceed with auction plans for 17 paintings that are being held at a Massachusetts museum despite a legal battle over the ownership of the art.

Estate attorney Mayer Morganroth said the dispute with the Armenian Library and Museum of America has only increased interest in the paintings by the assisted-suicide advocate. Kevorkian used a pint of his own blood on one of the paintings.

Timothy A. Clary / AFP - Getty Images

Dr. Jack Kevorkian's niece Ava Janus poses with the "Thanatron," often referred to as the "Death Machine" invented by Dr. Kevorkian. It is one of the items on display during a media preview for the sale of the estate of Kevorkian to be held October 28 at the New York Institute of Technology. A portion of the sales will go to the charity Kicking Cancer for Kids.

Richard Drew / AP

Adam Hunter, of Hunter Auction Galleries, adjusts Dr. Jack Kevorkian's signature hat and cardigan sweater from Kevorkian's estate.

Richard Drew / AP

Prescription bottles from Dr. Jack Kevorkian's estate are displayed in New York , Thursday, Oct. 27. Kevorkian's estate is going ahead with plans to auction 17 of his paintings, including one he did with a pint of his blood, even though a suburban Boston museum is refusing to give them up.

Timothy A. Clary / AFP - Getty Images

Dr. Jack Kevorkian's last driver's license is one of the items on display during a media preview for the sale of Kevorkian's estate to be held October 28 at the New York Institute of Technology. A portion will go to the charity Kicking Cancer for Kids.