Day 7 of the trial focused on questions surrounding alleged hidden medical records.  State medical board investigator Carmen Marquez claimed he found hidden medical files containing both Smith’s name and her son Daniel’s hidden under a pile of clothes at Dr. Kapoor’s home. Marquez’ testimony was followed by the questioning of fellow investigator Jon Genes. Genes testified that the recovered files included information about Kapoor’s home visits to Smith in 2007 and noted her possible drug addiction to opiates. More to come tomorrow.

Dr. Victor Kovner, a doctor who treated Smith six years before her death, took the witness stand late yesterday afternoon and returned this morning.  Kovner believed Smith suffered from chronic physical pain but he was never able to identify the source.  As a result, Smith often took prescription drugs intended to treat physical pain in order to cope with her emotional distress.  Kovner testified that it was difficult to treat Smith’s physical condition due to her drug addiction. According to Kovner’s testimony, Smith had a very child-like personality and would often ask for more drugs out of fears she would find herself empty handed.  Kovener described Smith as “manipulative” but acknowledged that “she did respond to structure and when denied what she wanted she adjusted to it.” Stay tuned…