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Report: Temptations Singer Dennis Edwards Abused Weeks Before Death

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago police were investigating an allegation of domestic abuse filed just weeks before former Temptations lead singer Dennis Edwards died.

Edwards, 74, died Thursday night at Mercy Hospital. He had been ill for months. He suffered a stroke last year in St. Louis, and had come to Chicago for rehab.

Jazz A Vienne Festival
Dennis Edwards and The Temptations performs during the Jazz A Vienne festival on July 8, 2013 in Vienne, France. (Credit: David Redfern/Redferns via Getty Images)

Police said it's unclear if Edwards' death was connected to a domestic violence allegation filed last month. The report was filed on Jan. 8, and alleged Edwards was the victim of domestic violence in December.

CBS 2 Investigator Brad Edwards obtained the order of protection that alleges Edwards' wife, Brenda, tried to suffocate him by holding his head facedown on a bed.

"It's untrue," Brenda told CBS 2, further saying that there was "never" any abuse in their relationship.

She is planning Edwards' funeral, likely to be held in St. Louis, and says the allegations against her are a money grab and vows she will clear her name.

Investigators are waiting for a full autopsy report from the Cook County Medical Examiner's office.

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