A coronor’s inquest into Daniel Smith’s death will be held October 23, and his mother (Anna Nicole Smith) will have to attend the proceedings officials said yesterday. At a press conference held yesterday to clarify the degree of truth in reports circulating in the press, Magistrate Linda Virgill said that the body of Daniel Smith would be released as soon as the toxicology report is in – which might be within the week. "[First there is an] initial autopsy and then you must have a second just to confirm the findings," said Magistrate Virgill. She explained that having an inquest in the case of Daniel Smith’s death is not unusual as sudden deaths are usually classified as suspicious ones. She also explained her earlier statements of the death not being a natural one at the media conference. "By that I meant he did not have any external injuries on his body," said the coroner. She added that the case could be referred to the Supreme Court for criminal charges if the jury determined that their findings on Daniel’s death had some involvement of a criminal nature. Magistrate Virgill admitted to speaking with Anna Nicole Smith recently and announced that Ms Smith will be called as a witness in the proceedings. Anna Nicole Smith’s lawyer, Michael Scott, also confirmed that she was still in The Bahamas. "Yes she is here [and] she is in seclusion with her family and friends as you would expect in the case of any parent who has sustained this kind of loss… " said Mr. Scott. Magistrate Virgill also said that the autopsy result would not be released to the public unless court officials tender the report as one the documents needed for evidence. She added that the results would not be seen "before that time". "The toxicology results won’t be released as it would not be fair to the public…and Anna Nicole Smith," said the Magistrate. She also said that she had full confidence in the medical staff’s competence to secure the room if something had happened of an adverse nature. During the conference Mr. Scott denied knowledge of certain statements made on the Larry King Live show, calling the reports "irresponsible speculation" while Magistrate Virgill recommended to the public that all speculations should be stopped until the commencement of the inquest.
The Nassau Gaurdian
Wow, something major must have come out in the first toxicology report for the inquest to go forward like that.
