Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
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.
The house of Spector
Looks like a visit to the Pyrenees may be ahead for the jurors in the Spector trial -- Phil Spector's Pyrenees Castle, that is. The defense wants all 12 jurors (and 6 alternates) to come and see the room where Lana Clarkson died. But getting them there is complicated -- the judge will also come along, and the court reporter, and sheriffs deputies, not to mention the lawyers for both sides. If all the details can be arranged.
The house sits behind a high wall and tall gates in the suburb of Alhambra, surrounded by single-family homes. Spector's, which would be the grandest of the bunch even if it didn't have the pretentious name and high gates, has 8 bedrooms, 10 baths and is 8,686 square feet. Zillow estimates its value at $3.1 million. But it's only a few blocks away from busy Valley Boulevard, where it's easy to buy a pizza, get a new windshield or spend the night at a low-rent motel (or even do all three).
Neighbors told LAist that they've been warned the trial will descend on their block soon. They've been instructed to carry ID with proof of residence to be able to make it through whatever barriers will be in place. While this might make some people cranky, they were awfully nice to us, and wanted to gossip about the trial. What happened that night? Did he do it?
Since Phil Spector got out on bail, the music producer has been living in his house, which is, as you know, where Lana Clarkson died. Let's hope what with all that square footage, it's got another entrance or two. Because four years of comings and going through the (pick one) murder/suicide scene would give us the creeps.
photo by Carolyn Kellogg
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
