Legendary record producer Phil Spector is appealing the murder sentence he was given over the death of B-Grade move actress Lana Clarkson. The 71 year old super-producer of acts ranging from The Ronnettes to The Ramones was convicted by a jury in Los Angeles in 2009 of shooting her in 2003, receiving a sentence of 19 years to life.
However, lawyers for the man once renowned for pulling guns on artists while they were recording in the studio have filed an appeal, seeking a third trial for their client. The appeal, lodged in the California Court of Appeals, argues that that both his previous trials were unfairly influenced by testimonies of five women who claimed to have been victims of gun-related incidents at the hands of the producer with a penchant for wearing freaky wigs.
Spector’s lawyers argue that those testimonies are irrelevant, however prosecutors are firmly believing in the ‘where there’s smoke there’s fire’ theory. It could take another three months before a judge rules as to whether there is enough evidence to allow a re-trial.
