Spector Trial Commences

Phil Spector's murder trial has commenced, with opening statements being read by both parties.

Spector's initial trial collapsed last year after the jury returned a 10-2 verdict in favor of his guilt - the vote must be unanimous. The re-trial has got underway, after a new jury was chosen.

The prosecution opened by describing a man who has repeatedly threatened women with guns. It is alleged that Spector shot actress Lana Clarkson in 2003 after she spurned his advances.

Prosecution lawyer Alan Jackson gave several examples of women who claimed that Spector threatened them with guns. A notorious figure in the music industry, Spector pulled a gun on both John Lennon and The Ramones.

Jackson also referred to the testimony of Spector's chauffer in the original trial, in which the driver claimed the producer said to him the night of Clarkson's death, "I think I killed somebody."

Phil Spector's trial is ongoing.