BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhuanet) -- After Anna Nicole's autopsy revealed her death was the culmination of a toxic mixture of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, the Bahamian courts are taking a more in-depth look at the unusual death of her son, Daniel, who died at her bedside.
TMZ.com reports Howard K. Stern's attorney challenged the use of a jury to hear the case. The jury can recommend criminal prosecution if they think Daniel's death was murder.
Smith's former boyfriend Larry Birkhead and several key hospital witnesses, according to TMZ, are scheduled to testify Wednesday or Thursday.
Birkhead was aware of Daniel's drug use while he lived in Los Angeles, according to TMZ. Birkhead will also testify Stern and Anna Nicole knew Daniel had a drug problem. The key to the inquest is to determine how Daniel obtained the drugs that caused his death.
Dr. Joshua Perper, Broward County chief medical examiner, said at a press conference Monday each of the drugs he uncovered in Smith's body were present in levels lower than what would normally lead to overdose. The combination of the medications led to a toxic, and ultimately lethal, effect.
Perper mentioned a total of nine prescription drugs were found in Smith's system; however, during the press conference he also listed several other drugs, as well as one nonprescription drug and a number of supplements, which were identified during the autopsy.
Drugs clonapine (commonly known as Clonazepam or Klonopin), diazepam (commonly known as Valium) and lorazepam (commonly known as Atavan) were in her system.
Perper said chloral hydrate, a sleeping medication, was the drug which "tipped the balance" and most directly led to Smith's demise.
In addition to the drugs in Smith's system, the autopsy also revealed abscesses in her left buttock. These infection filled abscesses were likely the result of improperly administered repeated injections
"The episode of high fever was most likely due to the fact that at the time of the perforation of the abscess, the infectious organisms reached the bloodstream and caused a high fever," Perper explained.
(Agencies)
 |
|
Howard K. Stern sits with Anna Nicole Smith as they watch a boxing match at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida in this January 6, 2007 file photo. Anna Nicole Smith died of an accidental drug overdose with traces of nine prescription drugs in her blood, including anti-depressants and sedatives, Florida officials said on March 26, 2007. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Photo Gallery>>> |
Print
