(Jersey City, NJ) -- The father of the boy who settled with Michael Jackson for 20-million-dollars in a molestation case has committed suicide.

The "New York Post" reports that Evan Chandler was found dead in his Jersey City, New Jersey apartment on November 5th.

The 65-year-old was reportedly found with a 38-caliber handgun in his hand, and five different prescription drugs in his home.

Chandler was reportedly suffering from a serious illness at the time, but doctors and police are declining to elaborate.

Chandler's son, Jordan "Jordy" Chandler, first met Michael Jackson in 1992.

After developing a friendship with the "King of Pop," Jordy would one day tell his father that Michael had touched him inappropriately.

Jordy would go on to repeat his claims to a psychologist, which prompted an investigation into the iconic singer.

Jackson was never charged with a crime, but he would eventually settle with Jordy Chandler for 20-million-dollars.

Evan and Jordy Chandler remained close in the years following the Jackson investigation.

Their relationship fell apart, however, in 2006 when Evan allegedly attacked Jordy with a dumbbell.

Jordy received a restraining order against his father and the two reportedly never spoke again.

As the years progressed, those close to Evan Chandler say the former Beverly Hills dentist became obsessed with plastic surgery and less connected with his family.

A family member of Chandler's says, quote, "He stopped coming to family events because he was afraid of being recognized," adding, quote, "That eventually turned into permanent estrangement from his family."

　

(Copyright 2009 by VERTEXNews/Newsroom Solutions)