Actress and model Lana Clarkson was found shot dead in Phil Spector's mansion in Alhambra, California, on February 3, 2003. Spector was arrested for the murder, but claimed she was depressed and shot herself.The Los Angeles Times: Prosecutor, in closing arguments, calls Phil Spector a 'demonic maniac' (March 24, 2009)
Spector's first trial for the murder ended in a mistrial in 2007.BBC: Jury selection starts for Spector (October 21, 2008) Spector's chauffeur said in his testimony that Spector had confessed right after the shooting that he had killed someone.The Los Angeles Times: Prosecutor, in closing arguments, calls Phil Spector a 'demonic maniac' (March 24, 2009) In the second trial, Spector was found guilty of second degree murder on April 13, 2009.LA Times: Phil Spector guilty in Lana Clarkson's death (April 13, 2009) He was sentenced to 19 years to life in prison plus ordered to pay restitution on May 29, 2009. He plans to appeal the ruling.SFGate: Phil Spector is Sentenced to 19 Years to Life
Arrest and Trials
Clarkson was found dead in Spector's home in the early morning of February 3, 2003. She had followed him home after the two met at House of Blues, where she worked as a hostess. Spector was arrested the same morning and charged in 2004. The first trial ended in a mistrial. The second trial began in 2008.
During the second trial, prosecutors argued that the blood stains on Spector and Clarkson indicated that his hand was pointed at her when the gun went off and that he was within an arm's reach of her. Prosecutors also argued that Clarkson's bruises on her wrist indicated that a struggle had taken place.The Los Angeles Times: Prosecutor, in closing arguments, calls Phil Spector a 'demonic maniac' (March 24, 2009) Several women testified that Spector had pulled guns on other women in the past.CNN: DA: Who buys shoes, then commits suicide? (March 24, 2009)
On April 13, 2009, Spector was found guilty of second degree murder. He was later sentenced to 19 years to life in prison and ordered to pay restitution.LA Times: Phil Spector guilty in Lana Clarkson's death (April 13, 2009)
References
Fast Facts
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Born
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February 3, 2003
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Was an actor and model
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Breakthrough
As Mrs. Vargas in Fast Times at Ridgemont High
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Appeared in several movies, including Deathstalker, Barbarian Queen and Amazon Women on the Moon
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Also appeared on TV series and in commercials
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Found dead at Phil Spector's mansion early in the morning of February 3, 2003
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April 13, 2009
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