Alabama investigates Harper Lee's book release for elder abuse

Harper Lee photo — (Image credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The state of Alabama is investigating potential elder abuse that may be connected to the release of Harper Lee's upcoming book, Go Set a Watchman.

Investigators have interviewed Lee, 88, at the assisted-living facility where she lives, and they have also spoken with employees and friends. Some sources have said Lee is capable of agreeing to publish the follow-up to her beloved novel To Kill a Mockingbird, while others say her mental state is deteriorating. Lee has "severe hearing and vision problems" and suffered a stroke in 2007, The New York Times reports.