Late yesterday, a specialist in addiction and pain medicine – Dr. James Gagne – testified that Kapoor was “acting outside the standard practice” by prescribing a large amount of opiates and sedatives to Smith.   Gagne said Kapoor should have known from records that Smith had an addiction and should have weaned her off the medication instead of refilling prescriptions.  Although Smith had fractured ribs and a dislocated shoulder in two separate incidents, Gagne thought that Kapoor “continued prescribing opiates for too long to ease her pain.” According to Gagne’s testimony, Smith was not only taking more than the prescribed amount but also acted like a “space cadet”, which should have indicated an excessive amount of medication.  Gagne drew attention to the fact that Kapoor prescribed 460 tablets of Methadone for Smith on August 17, 2006, yet only eight days later Smith claimed to be experiencing withdrawals and asked for more. Yesterday questions also arose as to whether or not Smith’s nannies will testify. Prosecutors have not been able to locate a Creole translator but told the judge they expect the nannies to testify on September 7th. Today, the judge expressed doubt regarding the prosecution’s ability to provide evidence on the two key conspiracy charges against Stern, Eroshevich, and Kapoor.  Judge Perry “also has Read More …

Last week’s proceedings concluded with testimony from a member of the South Carolina family that Smith stayed with during the final months of her life, Ford Shelley Jr.  He claimed he had no recollection of prescription drug bottles with Stern’s name on them. As the prosecution wraps up, questions remain as to when Smith’s nannies may testify. The two Haitian women, Nadine Alexie and Quethlie Alexie, are expected to be key witnesses against Stern.  Some roadblocks, however, stand in the way.  These women seemingly have encountered difficulties traveling to the United States and one apparently only speaks Creole which would require a translator.  A statement made by Ms. Alexie reveals that “Stern and Eroshevich persuaded Smith to take drugs that sometimes left her asleep for three days at a time.” Buzz surrounding the case is gaining traction outside the courtroom as Larry Birkhead makes his media rounds.  This morning he was interviewed on Good Morning America where he claims that he was fearful for Dannielynn’s health – due to Smith’s obvious drug problems during the pregnancy.  He also protested “Howard is being held in my opinion to the same standards as the doctors, almost as if he prescribed these medications. Read More …