LA judge will bar evidence linking defendants to death of Anna Nicole Smith

Judge will bar link to Anna Nicole Smith death

LOS ANGELES — The judge in the trial of Anna Nicole Smith’s doctors and lawyer-boyfriend says he will bar all evidence linking the defendants to Smith’s fatal drug overdose.

Superior Court Judge Robert Perry said during a pretrial hearing Friday that he fears the defendants cannot get a fair trial if attorneys focus on Smith’s cause of death.

The defendants are accused of illegally providing Smith with opiates and sedatives. They are not charged with causing her death.

Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, Dr. Khristine Eroshevich and Howard Stern have pleaded not guilty to conspiring to illegally prescribe drugs.

Perry also says he doesn’t understand why the case was not filed in Florida, where the former Playboy model died in 2007.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Attorneys were setting the stage for the trial of two doctors and the attorney boyfriend of the late Anna Nicole Smith, arguing about what evidence will be allowed in court.

In a hearing Friday, defense attorneys plan to oppose the use of photos of Smith and her psychiatrist nude in a hot tub and a controversial video of Smith in clown face makeup. Prosecutors say she appears to be drugged. Other motions include prosecutors’ opposition to one doctor’s claim that he is being prosecuted because he is gay and East Indian.

The defendants have pleaded not guilty to conspiring to illegally prescribe opiates and sedatives to the former Playboy model. They are not charged with causing her death. Jury questioning begins Monday.