Infant Killed in LA Gang Shooting

(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»

Youth's murder provokes shock, anger across British media

(NEWSER) - An 11-year-old boy was shot dead in Liverpool yesterday, leading to soul-searching and recriminations across the British press. Rhys Jones died in his mother's arms, apparently an innocent victim in a showdown between two local gangs. Rhys's photograph is on the cover of almost every newspaper today alongside claims of "anarchy in the UK." More»

Verna McClain killed mother to 'adopt' her newborn, say police

(NEWSER) - The woman accused of shooting a young mother to death and snatching her 3-day-old boy is a Texas nurse who told police she was planning to "adopt" the baby as her own after suffering a miscarriage, reports AP . Verna McClain, 30, confessed to killing 28-year-old Kala Golden outside a pediatrician's office in Houston and will face capital murder charges. More»

John Atterberry had worked with Jessica Simpson, Michael Jackson

(NEWSER) - The record executive who was critically wounded in Friday's Hollywood shooting rampage died last night, the AP reports. John Atterberry, 40, had been a vice president of Death Row Records, then home to Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre, before going on to work with artists including Jessica Simpson, Christina Aguilera, and Michael Jackson, the Los Angeles Times reports. More»

Thief opens fire near campus: cops

(NEWSER) - Two students from the University of Southern California were shot at a party near the USC campus yesterday. Several students confronted a man who appeared to be stealing items from an apartment complex where the party was taking place. He opened fire, shooting a male student in the chest and a female student in the hand, said police. The male student underwent surgery and is listed in critical but stable condition. There have been no arrests yet, reports the Los Angeles Times . More»