Phil Spector, Music Producer, Guilty Of 2nd Degree Murder
Famed music producer Phil Spector was finally convicted of second-degree murder in the death of actress Lana Clarkson more than six years ago. Wearing a his trademark dazed and confused look and a black suit with a red tie and pocket square, Spector showed no reaction as the verdict was announced. Now 69, he faces a sentence of 18 years to life in prison when he is sentenced May 29.
The jury spent 30 hours deliberating the verdict – most others would have spent 30 minutes.
Prosecutor Alan Jackson said he believed the jury reached the correct verdict, and he acknowledged the strength and backing of Clarkson’s family. But defense attorney Doron Weinberg said Spector’s defense team disagreed and planned to appeal. “We don’t believe justice was done,” Weinberg said. (Of course you don’t Weinberg, there’s a lot more money to be made here! —Ed.)
Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler declined to allow Spector to remain free on bail pending sentencing, citing Spector’s years-long “pattern of violence” involving firearms.
