Support for LAist comes from
We Explain L.A.
Stay Connected

Share This

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

Phil Spector: under the gun?

We need to hear from you.
Today during our spring member drive, put a dollar value on the trustworthy reporting you rely on all year long. The local news you read here every day is crafted for you, but right now, we need your help to keep it going. In these uncertain times, your support is even more important. We can't hold those in power accountable and uplift voices from the community without your partnership. Thank you.

In her closing arguments, defense attorney Linda Kenney Baden showed a video montage of witnesses who said they couldn't put the gun in Phil Spector's hand.

The defense is trying to convince the jury that Lana Clarkson, a marginally talented, fairly beautiful actress/model whose career was on the wane, left her crappy job at the House of Blues with the wealthy record producer late one night, got to his house, found a handgun and blew her brains out while sitting in a chair in his foyer. Spector was upstairs, they say.

As for Spector himself, he never testified. Today he slumped in his chair at the defense table, slumped as usual, his hands clasped and shaking. The shaking -- probably due to the meds he's on -- has been noticed before, but today he shook more than usual. Maybe the stress is starting to get to him -- or maybe it's the sound of Kenney Baden's voice.

Support for LAist comes from

In yesterday's closing, Kenney Baden was shrill and unpleasant. Somebody on the defense team noticed and coached her last night -- today she's less shrill, at least. The trial is being broadcast on CourtTV, up until they pull the plug on it for the creepy Star Jones. On the web, though, it's streaming without interruption, except during lunch. (click on video in the navigation bar). But there's not much time left to watch.

"It's now time for you to make things right," Kenny-Baden said as she finished her closing argument. After lunch today, there will be more from the prosecution. The lawyers could be done sometime Monday -- although in this trial, every argument seems to take a little longer than expected. Anyway, the jury will begin deliberating soon. No wonder Phil is shaking.

photo credit: AP

Most Read