Finally after two weeks of debating, a judge has ruled in the case of Anna Nicole Smith. The ruling came on February 22, 2007 after Anna Nicole Smith unexpectedly died at a Florida hotel at the young age of 39. Anna Nicole Smith had been dead for exactly two weeks and the medical examiner stated that her body was quickly deteriorating when the decision came. Howard Strern, Smith’s boyfriend, and Anna Nicole’s mom had been debating over where to bury her body. Smith’s mom wanted to bury her in Texas and Stern wanted to bury in the Bahamas next to her deceased son. Judge Larry Seidlin blubbered as he announced his decision to leave all burial decisions up to Smith’s baby’s guardian, Richard Milstein . Milstein is the guardian for Smith’s 5 month old daughter, Dannielynn. Richard Milstein is an attorney that deals with guardainship, probate and mediation cases. Judge Seidlin did state that he hoped Anna Nicole would be buried in the Bahamas, alongside her deceased son. He simply stated that he wanted them to be together. After Judge Seidlin passed the decision rights to Milstein, Milstein did not comment. At this point it is unlcear as to what Milstein’s decision will be as to where to bury Anna Nicole Smith.
In the courtroom, Judge Seidlin began the hearing with events from Anna Nicole’s relationshio with her mother, her ex-boyfreind and Howard Stern. He spoke of the use of prescribed drugs and wondered how Stern was involved. Judge Seidlin pondered over Smith and Stern’s relationship and questioned whether Stern was a “bad guy” or a “good guy”. Larry Birkhead did testify that he tried to get Smith to seek treatment for her drug use. When he suggested a drug rehabilitation program, Smith told him that she was not a drug addict. Birkhead stated that he became increasingly concerned about Smith’s drug use after visiting the home that Smith and Stern shared in the Bahamas. Birkhead also testified that the two contined to bring more drugs into the house and that Smith said she needed the medical prescription to survive.
Howard Stern was hunched over the table, with his hands folded together, waiting for Judge Seidlin’s ruling. Once the ruling was made, he wiped away a series of tears as Vergie Arthur, Smith’s mom covered her eyes. Judge Seidlin weeped and got choked up as he gave his decision. It was definitely not an easy day for any of the parties involved.
The argument over Anna Nicole Smith’s burial is only one of many surrounding her death. Paternity issues are being thrown around and a California judge is handling the paternity case on a separate basis. Howard Stern is listed on the birth certificate as Dannielynn’s father. Larry Birkhead, Smith’s ex-boyfriend, says that Dannielynn is his child.
With one of the biggest argument’s over, perhaps the Anna Nicole Smith case can move forward.
