Phil Spector Convicted of Second-Degree Murder
Jury Finds Spector Guilty on Multiple Counts
Apr 14, 2009
A Los Angeles jury found Phil Spector, 68, guilty of both charges on April 13th. His first trial ended in a hung jury in 2007. The famed record producer who worked with such legendary talents as the Beatles and Tina Turner was on trial for the shooting death of actress Lana Clarkson that occurred in 2003. He now faces serving a mandatory 18 years of a life sentence.
Spector Out on Bail for Last Six Years
Spector had been out on bail for the last six years. He was immediately taken into custody following the verdict on Monday. The songwriter, turned producer appeared in court looking haggard and frail instead of the eccentric persona that had governed much of his pop-culture career. Spector had been often photographed wearing over-sized glasses and large wigs and had made a name for himself with his zaney behavior outside of his success in the music industry.
According to women who knew Spector and testified during trial, the artist had a history of alcoholism and firearms, often combining the two.
The body of Lana Clarkson, 40, had been found in Spector's mansion in a suburb of Los Angeles on February 3, 2003. Clarkson had been shot in the mouth and prosecutors had argued that Spector had tried to clean up the crime scene.
Defense Argued that Clarkson Committed Suicide
The defense mounted that Clarkson had been suicidal and had turned the gun on herself. She is best known for her small bit parts in Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Scarface. In addition to her small success in movies, Clarkson also worked in television with appearances on several commercials and a few modeling stints. In her later years, Clarkson had turned to hostessing to help with her stalled acting career - which is how she would later meet Spector.
According to the prosecution, Spector had taken Clarkson out for a night of drinking before the two returned to his home. It is there, that it is alleged that Spector made advances towards Clarkson. When she refused and tried to leave, Spector shoved the gun into her mouth and fired. It was further argued that Spector later admitted guilt when he stumbled out of his house and told his limo driver that he had thought that he had killed someone.
Spector's conviction is a landmark case as it is the first murder conviction of a celebrity in a Hollywood court in nearly 40 years, according to the New York Times. The family of Lana Clarkson will also be launching a civil suit against the artist.
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