LOS ANGELES - A toxicologist who investigated the drug-overdose death of Anna Nicole Smith says her poor health at the time may have complicated her reaction to other drugs.
Harold Schueler, the coroner's chief toxicologist in Broward County, Fla., testified Wednesday that Smith was suffering from a bacterial infection before she died.
He says that could have affected her sensitivity to drugs she received for pain, anxiety and sleeplessness.
The testimony came during questioning by a lawyer for Smith's former attorney-boyfriend, Howard K. Stern.
A preliminary hearing is under way to determine if Stern and two doctors should stand trial on charges of conspiring to illegally provide Smith with controlled substances before her death.
