FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 15 (UPI) -- A Broward County, Fla., judge Thursday ordered another DNA sample taken from the remains of Anna Nicole Smith and that her body should be embalmed.
The DNA sample was sought to confirm that Smith is the mother of 5-month-old Dannielynn, who is the subject of a paternity battle, the Miami Herald said.
Once the sample is taken, an Ohio doctor will inspect it and other samples collected by Broward County Medical Examiner Joshua Perper last week when he conducted an autopsy on Smith, who died Feb. 8 of unknown causes.
Howard K. Stern's name is listed as the father on the baby's birth certificate. Larry Birkhead, Smith's ex-boyfriend, claims he's the dad, and filed a paternity suit.
During the four-hour hearing about DNA extractions, paternity tests and embalming procedures, Judge Larry Seidlin discussed the logistics of how to embalm the body.
"We're going to protect the sanctity of Ms. Smith," Seidlin said.
Perper suggested that the embalming be conducted in his office to "prevent a media circus." He suggested that a witness will be present during the process to ensure that no photographs are taken of the body.
