Artist News Legal

Defence is done: Spector trial update

By | Published on Friday 13 March 2009

So, back to the good old Phil Spector re-trial where the defence rested their case yesterday, again without Spector himself taking to the witness stand.

Defence lawyer Doron Weinberg – who has been much more dashing and severe than any of the defence attorneys involved in Spector’s first trial – ended his case with forensic psychologist Elizabeth Loftus who is an expert in memory and witness testimony, and who was there to cast further doubt on the testimony of Spector’s former chauffeur who, as previously reported, claims he heard Spector say “I think I killed somebody” shortly after actress Lana Clarkson was shot dead at the legendary producer’s home.

Loftus said that it is possible for witnesses to become influenced by information received after an event, so that they seem to become increasingly certain about things they were unsure about at the time – even though their certainty may be misguided.

With Weinberg’s case done, Judge Larry Fidler called yet another recess. The jury will reconvene next week for the final stages of the trial.

As much previously reported, Spector is accused of shooting dead Clarkson at his Beverly Hills home in 2003. He claims she shot herself. His first trial was declared a mistrial after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict.



READ MORE ABOUT: