California Judge Says Anna Nicole Smith's Body Can Be Released

Anna Nicole Smith's body can be released, a California judge said on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, Florida Circuit Judge Lawrence Korda, citing a California court's order for DNA testing on Smith, ruled that the former Playmate's body should be held as part of the ongoing custody battle over Smith's 5-month-old daughter, Dannielynn.

However, a Los Angeles judge subsequently rescinded the DNA order, which opens the way for the body to be released.

"California has no need for the body of Anna Nicole," James Neavitt, an attorney for Smith's companion, Howard K. Stern, told the Associated Press.

In Florida, attorneys for photographer Larry Birkhead, 34, one of a few men claiming to be the baby's father, had petitioned the court to uphold the earlier California ruling. However, his lawyer Debra Opri, issued a statement saying they would not fight the release of the body.

"Based upon the determination of our lab this weekend that we had sufficient DNA samples, we notified both parties we have no problem with the release of the body of Anna Nicole Smith," Opri said in a statement Wednesday.

"We are satisfied at this point that a Florida court will turn over the DNA samples necessary to satisfy the California courts paternity test order." May she rest in peace next to her son Daniel. Unfortunately, apparently Howard and Anna's mom are feuding over her dead body too.


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