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Spector Faces the Music

By Heather McPherson, Newser User

Posted Mar 19, 2007 3:20 PM CDT

(Newser) – Sixties icon Phil Spector was supposedly drunk, depressed, and on prescription medication when he brought B-movie actor Lana Clarkson home from a club four years ago, and shot her-—accidentally, he claims. With his televised trial opening today, Dan Glaister walks readers through what is known of events and gives insight into what might unfold in the courtroom.

Spector is the kind of loose-cannon client that gives attorneys nightmares. In an email written shortly after the shooting, he called Clarkson's an "accidental suicide," and in Esquire he claimed: "She kissed the gun." But, Glaister notes, count on heavy-hitter Bruce Cutler to have some legal tricks up his sleeve.

Phil Spector Pleads Innocent To Murder Charge (Getty Images)

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Spector Faces the Music

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More Newser Stories

Spector Judge Rejects Option of Manslaughter

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Douglas Begs Judge: Show Cameron Leniency

Michael's letter joins long list of missives by famous pals

Charlie's Defense: Brooke's a Liar

Sheen wants plea deal, but prosecutors aim for trial

Rip Torn Thought Bank Was Home: Lawyer

Actor was so drunk he took off hat, boots in lobby

Anti-Semitism Got Polanski

Gore Vidal is less than PC while discussing Roman Polanski

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

entertainment • Phil Spector • Lana Clarkson • Bruce Cutler • celebrity trials • trial • celebrity

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Spector Judge Rejects Option of Manslaughter

Jury may be asked to deliberate further in celebrity murder trial

Douglas Begs Judge: Show Cameron Leniency

Michael's letter joins long list of missives by famous pals

Charlie's Defense: Brooke's a Liar

Sheen wants plea deal, but prosecutors aim for trial

Rip Torn Thought Bank Was Home: Lawyer

Actor was so drunk he took off hat, boots in lobby

Anti-Semitism Got Polanski

Gore Vidal is less than PC while discussing Roman Polanski

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?