Alabama closes inquiry into Harper Lee, finds her mentally capable

Alabama's Securities Commission has closed an inquiry into potential elder abuse connected to the publication of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird sequel, Go Set a Watchman.

Alabama Securities Commission director Joseph Borg said that Lee, 88, was aware of what was happening with the book when authorities spoke with her during the investigation. Previously, sources had said Lee, who resides in an assisted-living facility, was not mentally capable of consenting to the novel's publication.

"We closed the file. Let's just say that she was able to answer questions we asked to our satisfaction from our point of view," Borg told The Associated Press.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up