Forensic Toxicologist Testifies Baby Brixlee Couldn’t Have Died from Overdose

SAN ANGELO, TX — Defense Attorney Thomas Jackson called a crucial witness to the stand on Monday morning in the trial against Cristin Bradley.

As previously reported, on July 31, 2023, which marked day 6 of the trial, Jackson delivered compelling opening statements on behalf of Bradley's defense. For the original story, click here: Defense Attorney: Don't Punish Grandmother for Trying to Save Heroin Baby

Following his statement to the jury, Jackson summoned forensic toxicologist Dwain Fuller as a key expert witness. Fuller boasts an impressive background, having accumulated over 40 years of experience in Forensic Toxicology, working at multiple esteemed medical labs across the country. Prior to the trial, he was employed at a VA facility in the metroplex before retiring on the Friday during the proceedings.

During his testimony, Fuller brought to light crucial details regarding the urine sample of the 2-month-old Brixlee Lee, who is alleged to have died from a heroin overdose.

According to the records submitted to the report during Shannon Medical Center's initial drug screening, the only drug that tested positive was Morphine-3-glucuronide, an inactive metabolite of Morphine. In contrast, a urine sample taken from a metroplex medical lab alleged that the child's urine tested positive for amphetamine, methamphetamine, codeine, and morphine.

Fuller explained that the forensic lab at Shannon, as opposed to a medical lab, ensures a higher level of accuracy, as forensic evidence is typically utilized in court hearings for various cases, including DWIs and drug possession charges.

Regarding the child's positive test for opiates, Fuller attempted to provide further insight. He testified that it was plausible the child was exposed to opiates through the mother's breast milk or might have been induced to opiates during that time. Furthermore, Fuller strongly asserted that solely having the metabolite could not have caused the baby's death from a drug overdose.

He continued by explaining that Heroin breaks down into Morphine, which further breaks down into three inactive metabolites. One of those inactive metabolites is Morphine-3, which could remain in the body for hours or days after use or exposure to morphine.

The trial is set to resume on Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m.