Legendary rock and roll music producer Phil Spector was found guilty Monday of second-degree murder in the February 2003 shooting death of actress Lana Clarkson, 40, was a hostess at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip. She left the club with Spector and was later found shot at his home. He said he is innocent and that she shot herself. After more than six years of investigation, authorities concluded Spector shot her. He was officially charged in November of 2003 but was free on $1 million bail.
Second-degree murder carries a penalty of 19 years to life in prison. The firearm enhancement adds three, four or 10 years in prison, according to the district attorney’s office.
The judge denied bail and Spector, wearing a fire-engine red tie and pocket square, was taken into custody after the verdict was announced. He also wore a “Barack Obama Rocks” button on his left suit lapel.
Spector and his wife entered the courtroom at about 2 p.m., and the verdict was read at about 15 minutes later. His son and daughter were seated next to him at the counsel’s table.
Spector’s wife, Rachelle, cried as the decision was announced. Spector showed no reaction as his attorney rubbed his client’s left shoulder.
Spector, who would not be eligible for parole until he is 88, showed no emotion before being led away to prison.
Spector’s lawyers spent two trials and millions of dollars arguing that Clarkson killed herself while battling depression. They vowed to appeal.
His family seemed as divided as the jurors who had deadlocked at his first trial.
“This is a sad day for everybody involved,” said Spector’s 28-year-old wife, Rachelle. “The Clarkson family has lost a daughter and a sister. I’ve lost my husband, my best friend. I feel that a grave injustice has been done and from this day forward I’m going to dedicate myself to proving my husband’s innocence.”
Members of the Clarkson family, including her mother and sister, also were in the courtroom.