Spector Wants Statements Tossed

Attorneys representing Phil Spector are trying to get a judge to throw out incriminating statements he made following the death of actress Lana Clarkson. They claim the producer was suffering withdrawal symptoms from seven medications when he was interrogated.

According to transcripts from Alhambra, Calif., police, Spector initially apologized for accidentally shooting Clarkson at his Alhambra mansion in 2003. Later, he said she had committed suicide.

In a recently filed defense brief, attorney Bruce Cutler said Spector “was experiencing symptoms of withdrawal from his medications, which could include hallucinations, forgetfulness, serious fatigue, and/or slurring.” Police refused or ignored his requests for his medication after they took him into custody at his home, Cutler said.

The medications were for depression, seizures, stomach acid, migraines and pain. One was an antibiotic.

Prosecutors didn’t comment on Cutler’s claim and have until October 21st to formally respond.

Spector faces life in prison if convicted of killing Clarkson, who starred in the cult film “Barbarian Queen” and had been working as a hostess at the House of Blues in West Hollywood.

The producer has pleaded innocent to the charges and is free on $1 million bail.

Meanwhile, defense lawyers also want Superior Court Judge Larry Fidler to exclude evidence of 14 guns seized from Spector’s home along with the producer’s past misdemeanor firearms convictions.

Fidler previously ruled he would not allow testimony from four women who claimed Spector had threatened them.

The judge said he expects the trial to begin in January.