Closing Arguments Begin in Spector Retrial

(NEWSER) - What a difference a wig—or lack of one—makes. California released the prison mug shot of Phil Spector today, revealing him to be a rather ordinary looking bald guy, the Daily News reports. The renowned music producer, always seen in public (and court) with a very full head of hair, has just begun serving a 19-year sentence for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson at his mansion. He plans to appeal. More»

(NEWSER) - A Los Angeles judge today sentenced Phil Spector to 19 years to life in prison in the 2003 shooting death of actress Lana Clarkson. The legendary music producer, whose first trial in the case ended in a mistrial, plans to appeal, KTLA-TV reports. Spector, 69, listened impassively as he drew the mandatory minimum of 15 years to life for second-degree murder, plus 4 years on a gun charge. More»

Jury may be asked to deliberate further in celebrity murder trial

(NEWSER) - Saying it would imply a guilty verdict of some kind is the goal, the judge in Phil Spector's murder trial today decided against having deadlocked jurors deliberate a lesser charge of manslaughter. The jury said yesterday it was split 7-5 after seven days of deliberation over the charge facing the music mogul in the 2003 shooting of actress Lana Clarkson. More»

Judge may send panel back to rule on manslaughter

(NEWSER) - The jury in the murder trial of legendary music producer Phil Spector declared itself deadlocked this afternoon after 7 days of deliberation. The jurors said they're split 7-5, but not which verdict they favor. The judge said he may send the panel back to the drawing board to rule on the lesser charge of manslaughter, Court TV reports. More»

(NEWSER) - A mob hitman who used acid to melt his victims' bodies has been sentenced to life, reports the New York Daily News. Charles Carneglia smirked in a Brooklyn courtroom as he listened to statements from his four victims' relatives, including one who called him an "animal" with a "dark soul." Carneglia "led a profane life; his sole role in the Gambino family was to kill and dispose of bodies," said the prosecutor. "He relished the job." Carneglia claimed "liar after liar" testified against him. More»