Thursday, March 19, 2009

The Defense Rests

by Donna Pendergast

Phil Spector's murder retrial is nearing an end. The defense rested its case last Thursday, a month after the prosecution finished its case in the shooting death of Lana Clarkson.
The 43-year-old House of Blues hostess (pictured right) died of a gunshot wound through the mouth at Spector's mansion in February 2003.

Spector, the 69-year-old legendary music producer, declined to testify after being advised of his right to take the stand by Judge Larry Fidler.

The judge and jury are spending this week hammering out jury instructions before Monday's tentatively scheduled closing arguments.

What a strange ride it has been since jury selection began in the first trial two years ago today. The first trial was a roller coaster with more hype than a circus. The retrial has taken nearly as long as the original trial but has been far more subdued in character. From Spector's tamped down garb and hair to the media indifference, the retrial is refreshing in what it is not, Over the top.

With the focus being where it should be, on the facts, not extraneous factors, let's hope this time the truth shines through. I have a good feeling this time around.

Statements made in this post are my own and are not intended to relect the views, opinion or position of the Michigan Attorney General or the Michigan Department of Attorney General.

3 comments:

A Voice of Sanity said...

With the focus being where it should be, on the facts, not extraneous factors, let's hope this time the truth shines through. I have a good feeling this time around.

Unfortunately I don't share your belief. Although the evidence is sufficient to convince even a jury of 12 village idiots that this was a suicide, the desperate prosecution and the clear and continuing bias of the judge along with the incredible media bias may result in yet another innocent man being convicted, not for what he couldn't have done but for what these allegedly unbiased jurors guess he has done. Shame on all involved.

Anonymous said...

Oh yes, AVOS and if PS get convicted you'll be saying he had the same idiot, bias jurors as Scott Peterson.

Anonymous said...

will closing arguments be televised or live streamed? thank you.