Judge delays final arguments in Anna Nicole Smith drug case to consider motions to dismiss
By APTuesday, September 28, 2010
Judge delays final arguments in Smith drug case
LOS ANGELES — The judge in the Anna Nicole Smith drug conspiracy case has delayed final arguments until Monday while he considers defense motions to dismiss charges against the model’s two doctors and boyfriend.
Superior Court Judge Robert Perry said he planned to begin issuing rulings later Tuesday. He spent the morning finalizing jury instructions and told prosecutors they should try to pare down the overt acts they have alleged against the defendants. He said it is essential to simplify the case to prevent jurors from becoming confused.
Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, Dr. Khristine Eroshevich and Smith’s lawyer-boyfriend Howard K. Stern have pleaded not guilty to providing her with excessive prescription drugs while knowing she was an addict. A key issue is whether she was addicted or seeking pain relief.
