Defense expert Dr. Paul White could be held in contempt for comments he made on Thursday, which were apparently overheard by members of the public and media. The judge addressed the matter outside of the presence of the jury.

He asked Dr. White if he said, "What a scumbag," in reference to prosecutor David Walgren. Dr.
White denied making the comment.

He recalled expressing his disapproval over the way Walgren had handled a propofol bottle. He said he made a comment to Walgren about how he thought he was tampering with evidence.

The judge also asked Dr. White if he said that "Dr .Shafer's testimony has changed the way I think of him." Or, "I will take the high road, not the low road. The truth will come out."

Dr. White tried to explain that he felt that some of the things that have been said about him were unfair. But the judge ignored his attempt to put the comments into context.

"You have no business making those comments either in this courtroom or where they can be overheard," said Judge Pastor.

The judge also reminded everyone that the attorneys, their staff and witnesses are not allowed to comment on the evidence.

A contempt hearing has been set for Nov 16th.