When news of Anna Nicole Smith’s death first broke nearly 36 hours ago a myriad of questions swirled regarding what caused her passing to what would happen to her 5-month-old baby daughter. Tonight, after three news conferences, an autopsy, and an emergency court hearing, many of those questions still remain unanswered. Here’s what has been released so far:
CAUSE OF DEATH
According to a Florida medical examiner, the cause of Smith’s death is still unknown. The local police chief told reporters that there was no evidence of a crime (which basically means Smith’s body didn’t show signs of trauma, beating or gunshot wounds). The medical examiner also said tests are currently being conducted to determine whether Smith died of natural causes, of drugs or some combination of the two. However, it could take up to five weeks before the tests are complete.
THE ROLE DRUGS PLAYED IN SMITH’S DEATH
Police would not comment on this except to say that they did find prescription medication in Smith’s hotel suite. According to the medical examiner, no pills were found in her stomach. Also, several media outlets confirmed that Smith was under a psychiatrist’s care, but it wasn’t known whether she had been prescribed medication as part of her treatment.
WHERE IS DANNIELYNN?
According to ABC News, the mother and sister of Smith’s fiancé, Howard K. Stern, are currently caring for 5-month-old Dannielynn Hope in the Bahamas.
WHO IS DANNIELYNN’S FATHER?
This seems to be the million-dollar question. No one seems to know the answer. Stern is listed on the baby’s birth certificate as the father, though photographer Larry Birkhead, a former boyfriend of Smith’s is also claiming paternity. On Friday, a judge in Los Angeles refused to order an emergency DNA test on Smith’s corpse to help determine paternity, but according to PEOPLE magazine he asked that “her body be preserved until February 20th,” when another hearing will be held. On top of that, late Friday, in a weird twist of events the husband of actress Zsa Zsa Gabor said that he had a decade-long affair with Smith and may be Dannielynn’s father.
WHO WILL HAVE CUSTODY OF DANNIELYNN?
For now Stern has custody of the child. According to news reports, a California judge refused to grant immediate custody to Birkhead until the question of paternity is resolved.
This tragic story seems to get sadder and more twisted by the hour. How can your heart not go out to that poor little girl—the true victim in this horrendous ordeal?
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