Missing in action

Missing from court today is Spector's nominal lead attorney, Bruce Cutler. Cutler said he will take at least this week off as the trial proceeds with scientific testimony -- not his area of expertise. He remains in the Los Angeles area, but is not coming to court. Whether his absence reflects a rift on the defense team, no one will say.

Observing the cross-examination of coroner's criminalist Lynne Herold this morning are the defense's A-Team of forensics experts -- medical examiners Vincent DiMaio and Werner Spitz, and blood spatter expert Stuart James.