Judge declares mistrial in Spector murder case
The murder trial of music producer Phil Spector ended in a mistrial Wednesday because of a deadlocked jury.
The mistrial came on the 12th day of deliberations on whether Spector murdered actress Lana Clarkson more than 4.5 years ago. The 12-member panel had heard about five months of testimony.
The jury foreman reported the panel was deadlocked 10 to 2 but did not indicate which way it was leaning. The jury reported a 7-5 impasse last week and had resumed deliberations with modified instructions.
“At this time, I will find that the jury is unable to arrive at a verdict and declare a mistrial in this matter,” Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler said.
Spector, 67, is charged with second-degree murder. Clarkson, 40, died when a gun went off in her mouth as she sat in a chair in the foyer of Spector's Alhambra mansion about 5 a.m. on Feb. 3, 2003. She had met Spector just a few hours earlier at her job as a nightclub hostess and went home with him for a drink after work.
The defense contended throughout the trial that Clarkson had personal problems and died of a self-inflicted wound that was an accident or a suicide.
Prosecutors presented Spector's chauffeur, who said that he heard a “pow” and that Spector then came outside with a gun in his hand and stated: “I think I killed somebody.”
Prosecutors also called five women from Spector's past who testified that he long ago terrorized them with guns when they tried to leave his presence.
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- From wire reports
The mistrial came on the 12th day of deliberations on whether Spector murdered actress Lana Clarkson more than 4.5 years ago. The 12-member panel had heard about five months of testimony.
The jury foreman reported the panel was deadlocked 10 to 2 but did not indicate which way it was leaning. The jury reported a 7-5 impasse last week and had resumed deliberations with modified instructions.
“At this time, I will find that the jury is unable to arrive at a verdict and declare a mistrial in this matter,” Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler said.
Spector, 67, is charged with second-degree murder. Clarkson, 40, died when a gun went off in her mouth as she sat in a chair in the foyer of Spector's Alhambra mansion about 5 a.m. on Feb. 3, 2003. She had met Spector just a few hours earlier at her job as a nightclub hostess and went home with him for a drink after work.
The defense contended throughout the trial that Clarkson had personal problems and died of a self-inflicted wound that was an accident or a suicide.
Prosecutors presented Spector's chauffeur, who said that he heard a “pow” and that Spector then came outside with a gun in his hand and stated: “I think I killed somebody.”
Prosecutors also called five women from Spector's past who testified that he long ago terrorized them with guns when they tried to leave his presence.
Tourist group raising funds for Fonz statue
The Fonz in bronze? It could happen. Visit Milwaukee, a group that promotes the city as a tourism and convention destination, is leading an effort to raise money for a bronze sculpture of the character played by Henry Winkler on TV's “Happy Days,” which was set in Milwaukee.
Some $45,000 has been raised toward a goal of $85,000 to commission the statue.
“It's an honor,” says Winkler. “But it is so bizarre to think there should be a statue. If it helps the city, a city that has been so supportive and warm to me over the years, then I am so OK with it.”
Winkler played Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on the family comedy, which aired from 1974 to 1984.
Paris Hilton plans on visiting Rwanda
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- From wire reports
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