Noel delays Smith inquest:
By ARTESIA DAVIS, Guardian Senior Reporter -
Nassau, Bahamas:



Magistrate William Campbell yesterday swore in the seven jurors who will decide how Daniel Smith, the 20-year-old son of the late Playboy centerfold Anna Nicole Smith, died.

Smith died Sept. 10, 2006 in his mother's room at Doctors Hospital, where she had given birth to her daughter Dannielynn three days earlier.

Anna Nicole Smith died in Florida on Feb. 8 at age 39 from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs, including the painkiller methadone and a powerful sleep aid.

Although the court was prepared to begin the much-anticipated inquest, Campbell adjourned the matter until November 19 because of the threat of Tropical Storm Noel.

"The only reason we are not proceeding is because of the storm, an act of God," he said.

But before he discharged the jury of four women and three men, Campbell advised them of their duties. He told the jury that it was their job to decide how Smith died and the circumstances surrounding his death.

Campbell reminded the jury that the inquest is not a criminal hearing. anybody or find anyone guilty. There is no verdict of guilt or innocence or verdict of civil liability," he said.

Campbell pointed out that the police did not gather any evidence during their investigations to charge anyone with murder or manslaughter. However, he said if the jury found that Smith was murdered, they would find there was sufficient evidence to commit the person whom they believed was responsible to a criminal court to stand trial.

Campbell told the jurors their decision would only be based on the testimony of the 35 witnesses.

He said: "Any other sort of information is to be ignored. Your oath is your guide. If people on the news know so much, let them come here and give evidence."