California IN BRIEF : REDWOOD CITY : Doctor Tells Murder Trial of Drug Results

A “fairly average dose” of cocaine was found in blood on an ammunition box in Ramon Salcido’s car, a toxicologist testified. “It was not death-threatening or toxic,” said toxicologist William Phillips in response to questions from by prosecutor Peter Bumerts. Salcido, 29, is accused of killing seven people, including his wife and two of his daughters. Defense attorney Marteen Miller contends that Salcido committed the crimes while under the influence of three grams of cocaine and three bottles of champagne. Miller, who is fighting to save Salcido from the gas chamber, concedes that his client committed the slayings but says he should not be convicted of first-degree murder because he was incapable of planning the murders.