Phil Spector guilty in Lana Clarkson's death

Latest story: Phil Spector convicted of second-degree murder

Phil Spector has been convicted of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of actress Lana Clarkson six years ago. An L.A. Superior Court jury reached its decision against the legendary music producer after nine days of deliberations. An earlier jury deadlocked 10-2 in favor of guilt.

The decision means the 69-year-old Spector, famed for his work with musical acts such as Tina Turner, the Beatles and the Righteous Brothers, faces at least 18 years in prison when he is sentenced. The jury determined that Spector killed Lana Clarkson, a statuesque blond actress, on Feb. 3, 2003, just hours after they met in the Sunset Strip club where she worked as a hostess.

Over the course of the trial, which began in October, the prosecution portrayed Spector as a sadistic misogynist who had a three-decade “history of playing Russian roulette with the lives of women” when he was drunk. A prosecutor told jurors in her summation that “by the grace of God, five other women got the empty chamber and lived to tell. Lana just happened to be the sixth woman who got the bullet.”

Spector’s defense contended Clarkson died by her own hand. They said she was depressed over her flagging career and the accompanying financial worries, and may have committed suicide impulsively after hours of late-night drinking with Spector.

Spector arrived in court Monday wearing a "Barack Obama" button.

-- Harriet Ryan

Related coverage:

Complete coverage of Spector's trials
Spector's long legal battles may be sapping his fortune
Sick juror interrupts Phil Spector deliberations
Phil Spector's fate is in jury's hands
In closing, Spector defense says all evidence points to suicide
Prosecutor, in closing arguments, calls Phil Spector a 'demonic maniac'

Comments

[Steve]

It was a long time coming, but Phil finally is going to face the consequences of what he's been doing for years.

[Trial watcher]

Is Spector in custody and in jail?

[Joe Blutosky]

Goodbye Phil.

See you in hell.

[michael d]

I'm glad the jury got this one right, but it is astonishing that it took so long. This should have been an open and shut three day trial. I wonder how the two morons who held out at the first trial feel. Because of them Spector got to be free for a couple of years more than he deserved and the taxpayers are on the hook for millions.

[BEVERLY]

FINALLY

[Shag]

He didn't just do it with women, he did it with men also. I believe was Phil Ramone who wrote in a book about being in recording session with Spector. He said Spector made them play the same song hundreds of times and when they wanted to leave the studio, he pulled out guns to prevent their exit.

[Marie]

YES!!!! Justice is served! Put him away and throw away the key!!

[Free_OJ_ASAP]

It's about time. If he was black they would have found him guily 6 years ago

[dave]

Finally an obviously guilty celebrity gets convicted in Los Angeles.

[fabgear]

Was he held over till sentencing ? Or is he still out on bail?

He is one I would peg for a flight risk.

[Raul Garcia]

We have a whacked judicial system, the evidence suggests to me he was more than likely guilty of manslaughter. There is no one on the face of this planet who can prove he possessed the intent with malice a forethought during the unlawful taking Ms. Clarkson's life to constitute a murder verdict.

[rob]

Remanded to custody too!

That is key so this [expletive] can't just shoot himself and take the easy way out while awaiting sentencing.

Rot in jail, Murderer.

Rest in peace, Lana.

[guity]

I guess this means that if I ever get rich I will have to use a bit of discretion if I ever intend to murder people. The good old days of just poking guns into Amazon women's mouths have apparently passed us by...

[habeas]

A JURY FINALLY GOT IT RIGHT.
Let this wacko rot in prison.

[R Tray]

There is a god!

[Shawna]

Good. Justice.

[DAME-O]

SEE YA PHIL... YOU GOT WHAT YOU DESERVE..YOU ANIMAL

[phoenixandrew]

Speaking for myself as an Obama supporter, I am sickened and insulted that he wore an Obama button to court. I'm sure our President wants nothing to do with him.

[Richard]

Finally that piece of crap is getting what he deserves! God bless this jury for doing what the first one didn't have the guts to do. I hope he's put away for the maximum 18 years and that SOB dies in prison.

[Raul Garcia]

Manslaughter yes, murder no.

[Notsusan]

He was immediately remanded into custody, not out on bail.

[Justice is served]

Thank you Jury members! At last the Clarkson's will have SOME small peace of mind. I hope they get every penny of Spector's money in the civil trial, but sadly, nothing will bring Lana back.

Rest in peace, Lana.

[Republican]

I feel safer already!

[michael d]

For those who think 2nd degree murder wasn't warranted, here's the definition::

"Murder of the second degree is similar to murder of the first degree, except the element of premeditation does not have to be proven. All that is required is subjective awareness on the part of the defendant that his conduct is dangerous to human life. Second degree murder is such a killing without premeditation, as in the heat of passion or in a sudden quarrel or fight.

Malice in second degree murder may be implied from a death due to the reckless lack of concern for the life of others (such as firing a gun into a crowd or bashing someone with any deadly weapon). Under California law, the penalty for second-degree murder is life imprisonment without the possibility of parole."

[Kitty]

Now FINALLY Lana can rest in Peace. That little wheezel got what he deserved. Many thanks to the Jury.