October 23, 2006 – 08:21
Update on the Daniel Smith Death Cover-Up
Bahamas police have apparently completed their part in the cover-up of Daniel Smith's homicide by handing the files over to an allegedly corrupt magistrate.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Reginald Ferguson said it is now entirely up to the courts to decide if an inquest will be held into Daniel Smith's tragic death.
The 20-year-old son of American celebrity Anna Nicole Smith died on September 10 at Doctors Hospital while visiting his mother and newborn sister Dannilynn, just three days after the 38-year-old celebrity gave birth to the now one month old baby girl.
Just days after the case broke, former Chief Coroner Linda Virgill announced that a coroner's inquest would be held today. But, according to Asst Commissioner Ferguson, whether or not there will be a coroner's inquest now lies in the hands of Chief Magistrate Roger Gomez.
"We all know that that was preempted," he said. "It was too soon to be setting dates for anything so of course there will not be a coroner's inquest (today). There are a lot of other things that still need to be done. But we (the police) have transferred our files and findings to the chief magistrate and we just have to wait and see what he does."
The chief coroner has since been relieved of handling the case. In fact, the entire Coroner's Court system in the country has been dismantled amidst rumours that the high profile case was taking precedence over other court matters. All coroner's cases will now be shared among the 13 magistrates.
The case garnered much international attention since news first leaked that Daniel had died in The Bahamas.
Days after Daniel's death, rumours circulated that he might have died from a drug overdose, but representatives from Anna Nicole's camp vehemently denied the reports and would only say his death was "accidental."
Local pathologists were performing an initial autopsy, but the grief-stricken mother needed a second opinion and flew in American forensic pathologist Cyril Wecht. Mr Wecht's findings revealed that high levels of Zoloft and Lexapro, two antidepressants and Methadone, a pain reliever widely used by recovering drug-addicts, were found in Daniel's system.
His body had been lying in Butler's Funeral Home and Crematorium for nearly six weeks since his death, and almost three weeks after- his mother and "long-time-friend" Howard K Stern exchanged vows on board a private yacht in Bahamian waters. Daniel's body was finally laid to rest on Thursday during an one-hour ceremony at the Lake View Cemetery.
But, according to Asst Commissioner Ferguson, the burial does not signify the end of the twisted story. "The case is definitely not closed," he said. "There are processes still going on; the chief magistrate now has the final say and who knows what's going to happen once he makes his decision. We can't say if there even will or will not be a coroner's inquest as the court is dealing with the matter from now on. The chief magistrate has to look at the case and make that decision."
Asst Commissioner Ferguson reminded that if there is a coroner's inquest, the pathologists will have to present their findings to the magistrate and only at that time will the exact cause of Daniel's death be made public.
Story by IANTHIA SMITH Guardian Staff Reporter
http://www.bahamasb2b.com/news/wmview.php?ArtID=9331
October 23, 2006 – 07:38
Bahamas Embarrassed By Anna Nicole
FNM says the country is still being embarrassed by the antics of Anna Nicole Smith with Bahamian Cabinet Minister Shane Gibson acting as a prop in her cheap publicity stunts.
With the five-week media circus surrounding the death of Anna Nicole Smith's son culminating with his funeral last week, the FNM yesterday claimed the Bahamas continued to suffer embarrassment because of this situation.
"The country is still being embarrassed by the antics of Anna Nicole Smith with Bahamian Cabinet Minister Shane Gibson acting as a prop in her cheap publicity stunts." the FNM said in its commentary on the party's website.
Addressing photos in People magazine of Ms Smith's 'wedding' to her lawyer Howard K Stern - who also claims to be father of her Bahamas-born daughter - the FNM asked what kind of publicity this situation is bringing the Bahamas.
Pointing out that Daniel's body was still in the morgue at the time the 'wedding' took place - and at which Mr Gibson was a guest - the FNM questioned if the government considered this good publicity for the country.
"The wedding takes place on a yacht somewhere off Nassau with Mrs Smith - attired in a flowing white dress and her new husband in a dark suit - jumping into the water.
"Standing next to the couple as they make the plunge is none other than the PLP Minister of Immigration Shane Gibson in short pants and with a pose that speaks eloquently of his anxiousness to see that everything goes right. While the fun and frolic was taking place at sea, the body of Mrs Smith's son, who died tragically only weeks before, was still lying cold in the morgue.
"And Mr Gibson seems to think it is all fine and good publicity for the Bahamas," the FNM said.
The party said there were ..precious few Bahamians who believe that this woman is the kind of person we should be encouraging to live among us as permanent residents, much less put her on the fast track for that status."
This statement is one of many criticisms levelled at the government, and especially Immigration Minister Shane Gibson's handling of the permanent residency status of the Trimspa spokeswoman.
"Minister Gibson and his Cabinet colleagues gave this ridiculous woman permanent residence status in the Bahamas in record quick time. They tried to pass her off as 'an investor' and the kind of person we should be encouraging to come and stay in the Bahamas," the FNM charged.
Daniel died on September 10 at Doctors Hospital. Two autopsies - both public and private - have since been performed on his body.
However, court officials said that they have to await the conclusion of the police investigation before determining if the case will go to the coroner's court.
At this time, some five weeks after Daniel's death, the toxicology report has also not yet been completed.
Meanwhile, a local funeral home owner has reportedly expressed concern over the mental state of Ms Smith.
Loretta Butler-Turner, director of Butler's Funeral Home and Crematorium, reportedly told US media that she was shocked by Ms Smith's behaviour as she laid her son to rest.
Mrs Butler-Turner was quoted as saying of the former Playmate: "I think reality truly has not set in and she wanted to know if she could take him home and give him a warm bath."
By KARIN HERIG Tribune Staff Reporter
http://www.bahamasb2b.com/news/wmview.php?ArtID=9328