Phil Spector, legendary music producer of hits like “Da Doo Ron Ron,” and “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feeling,” was convicted today in a Los Angeles court of second degree murder and illegally discharging a firearm. The jury sat through a five-month trial and reached its verdicts after 27 hours of deliberation.
Spector was accused of murdering Lana Clarkson, an actress, at his home in 2003 after a night of drinking. Spector, 68, now faces at least 18 years in prison.
Defense attorneys argued that Spector witnesses Clarkson commit suicide but did not kill her in a fit of anger as alleged by prosecutors.
This was the second murder trial in the case; the first ended in a hung jury in 2007. The jury was deadlocked 10 to 2 – leaning towards conviction. Criminal guilty verdicts must be unanimous.
Spector was taken into custody after the verdicts were read.
