Inquest Scheduled For Anna Nicole's Son

Reality TV Star Will Be Among Witnesses Required To Testify March 27

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NASSAU, Bahamas, Jan. 16, 2007 | by Judy Faber

(CBS/AP)  A formal inquiry into the death of Anna Nicole Smith's 20-year-old son has been scheduled for March 27 in the Bahamas, the chief magistrate said Tuesday.

The reality TV star, who gave birth to a daughter three days before Daniel Smith mysteriously died at her hospital bedside on Sept. 10, will be among the witnesses required to testify before the jury inquest, Chief Magistrate Roger Gomez said.

"It's to try and answer all the unanswered questions that have been raised in this matter," he told reporters. "We hope by going through this process and having lawyers cross-examine witnesses that more information would come out."

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Photos: Bahamas Burial

Photos: Anna Nicole Smith

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The inquest at the coroner's court will be open to the media, he said.

A private pathologist concluded that Daniel Smith died from a lethal combination of methadone and two antidepressants. Gomez didn't disclose the conclusions of the official pathologist or a police investigation.

Smith, 39, has said she was seeking privacy when she came to the island chain during her pregnancy. The former Playboy Playmate has remained in the Bahamas while embroiled in feuds with former boyfriends over the paternity of her daughter and ownership of her waterfront residence.

Jurors' responsibilities will include assessing potential liability in Daniel Smith's death, and they could recommend that prosecutors pursue criminal charges, Gomez said.

Wayne Munroe, a lawyer for Smith, said he didn't know her opinion on the matter, but said he didn't believe an inquest was necessary.

TMZ is reporting that, according to a source, one of the witnesses at the inquiry will testify that Howard K. Stern, Smith's partner, allegedly gave her son the methadone.

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