By: Rodrique Ngowi, Associated Press
BOSTON, MA (AP).- The Armenian Library and Museum of America is refusing to surrender 17 paintings and other artwork by assisted-suicide advocate Dr. Jack Kevorkian, saying he donated them to it and his estate has no right to claim them nearly 12 years after it put them on display. The paintings, including one Kevorkian did with a pint of his own blood, were among 140 of his personal effects set for auction by his estate next week in New York City. Kevorkian, who was of Armenian descent, died in June in suburban Detroit at age 83, leaving his property to his niece and sole heir, Ava Janus, of Troy, Mich. The estate estimates that the total value of the paintings being held by the museum is $2.5 million to $3.5 million, spokesman Roger Neal said Wednesday. Many of the paintings depict death or dying and could provoke or disturb viewers. One of those scheduled for auction is entitled “Geno