Dustin Smith Testimony & Transcripts - Timothy Jones Jr. Case Archive

About

Dustin Smith testified on Day 14 after the court qualified him as an expert in forensic toxicology. On direct examination, he described synthetic cannabinoids, including AB Pinaca, their reported psychological and physical effects, and their potential presence in products known as Spice. He reviewed two State exhibits and gave general toxicology context rather than a person-specific opinion.

Defense counsel questioned Smith about AB Pinaca's legal status, the changing range of synthetic cannabinoids, and the limits of the research. Smith said the available half-life estimate came from an in-vitro study and that he knew of no studies showing how the human body interacts with AB Pinaca. He also distinguished between purchasers' expectation of a synthetic cannabinoid and uncertainty about the particular compound present.

On redirect, Smith explained why a laboratory half-life estimate could differ substantially in humans. He testified that published studies reported exacerbated effects for people with preexisting anxiety, depression, or mental illness, and that chronic use of a synthetic cannabinoid could produce tolerance and withdrawal after the drug was removed.

Key Points

The court qualified Smith as an expert in forensic toxicology, and he gave general testimony about synthetic cannabinoids, AB Pinaca, reported effects, and common methods of use. ^[1]

Smith agreed that the available AB Pinaca research was in vitro and did not establish how the drug interacts with the human body. ^[1]

Smith testified that synthetic cannabinoids may exacerbate effects for people with preexisting anxiety, depression, or mental illness, and that chronic use can lead to tolerance and withdrawal. ^[1]

Trial Record (3)

Trial 12019 Murder TrialApr 29, 2019 – Jun 13, 2019Called by prosecution

Dustin Smith testified as a forensic toxicology expert about synthetic cannabinoids and AB Pinaca. His testimony addressed reported effects, the limits of the available research, and possible tolerance and withdrawal from chronic use.

Day 14

May 17, 2019

DirectDustin Smith — DirectDustin SmithSuzanne Mayes2highlights42lines spoken

Summary

Forensic toxicologist Dustin Smith described AB Pinaca's reported effects, limited research, and the exhibits shown to him.

Highlights (2)

rulingThe court qualified Lieutenant Dustin Smith as an expert in forensic toxicology after the defense declined voir dire.Open in transcript →Watch this moment ▶

Quote“Confusion, anxiety. They can include paranoia, and they can include hallucinations.”— Dustin SmithSmith identified reported psychological effects associated with AB Pinaca.Open in transcript →Watch this moment ▶

CrossDustin Smith — CrossDustin SmithRobert Madsen2highlights27lines spoken

Summary

Smith described the limited human research on AB Pinaca and distinguished synthetic cannabinoids from marijuana.

Highlights (2)

testimony highlightSmith said the available AB Pinaca half-life information came from in-vitro studies and that he knew of no human-body studies on the drug's interaction or elimination.Open in transcript →Watch this moment ▶

Quote“There have not been any studies done to the best of my knowledge, to the best of my literature search, on how the actual human body interacts with the drug.”— Dustin SmithSmith qualified the limits of the available research on AB Pinaca's effects in humans.Open in transcript →Watch this moment ▶

RedirectDustin Smith — RedirectDustin SmithSuzanne Mayes2highlights7lines spoken

Summary

Smith clarified the limits of AB Pinaca half-life research and testified that chronic use could cause withdrawal.

Highlights (2)

testimony highlightSmith testified that studies of synthetic cannabinoids show exacerbation of effects for people already prone to anxiety, depression, or mental illness.Open in transcript →Watch this moment ▶

Quote“And what those studies show is that synthetic cannabinoids specifically exacerbate those effects when you're already prone to those conditions.”— Dustin SmithSmith described the reported effect of synthetic cannabinoids on people with preexisting anxiety, depression, or mental illness.Open in transcript →Watch this moment ▶