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LOS ANGELES, Calif. - A South Carolina man whose family became involved with Anna Nicole Smith has recanted statements critical of the former model's lawyer-boyfriend Howard K. Stern.
Ford Shelley testified Friday in Los Angeles that he never saw Smith abuse drugs, never saw Stern force medication on her and believes Stern shouldn't be on trial.
Shelley had previously been critical of Stern and suggested to investigators that he over medicated her.
Shelley described co-defendant Dr. Khristine Eroshevich as a good woman who was trying to help Smith.
Stern, Eroshevich and Dr. Sandeep Kapoor have pleaded not guilty to drug conspiracy charges involving providing Smith with excessive drugs.
Smith died of a drug overdose in 2007. The defendants are not charged in her death.
