The murder trial surrounding legendary producer Phil Spector has reached its climax with the jury retiring to consider its verdict.
Phil Spector pioneered the ‘Wall Of Sound’ technique in the 60s, layering instruments with very basic technology and crafting methods which are now the bedrock of sound production. Scoring hit after hit he strode across the pop landscape as a colossus, before losing his midas touch in the late 60s.
The producer is accused of killing actress Lana Clarkson at his home in Los Angeles in 2003. The first trial Spector faced collapsed due to a hung jury, with Californian law requiring a unanimous verdict.
The trial re-started last year, and saw the jury controversially visiting the scene of the crime – Spector’s own home. However in a closing statement his lawyer maintained the producer’s innocence stating “Mr Spector did not kill Lana Clarkson. That’s what the evidence shows”.
However the prosecution have point to Spector’s habit of pulling guns on people and threatening them. Famously, Spector has pulled a gun on both John Lennon and The Ramones during disastrous recording sessions with both artists.
If found guilty of murder Spector faces a sentence of fifteen years to life in jail. The lesser charge of manslaughter brings with it a charge of four years.
The jury is due to return its verdict soon.
