Prosecutors Give Closing Arguments in Spector Retrial

Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Truc Do urged the jurors to find Spector guilty of second-degree murder, rather than a lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter, saying the record producer known for his famed “wall of sound” became a “demonic maniac” when he drank and “a very dangerous man” around women.

“This case is about a man who has had a history of playing Russian roulette with the lives of women,” Do said. “”Five women got the empty chamber. Lana got the sixth bullet.”

This is Spector’s second trial for the death of Clarkson. The first resulted in a deadlocked jury – 10-2 for conviction.

Spector met Clarkson at West Hollywood’s House of Blues the night of February 23, 2003. Clarkson was working as a hostess in the club’s private Foundation Room when Spector chatted her up. What happened after they left the club and went to Spector’s house depends on who’s doing the talking.

Prosecutors claimed Spector pulled a gun on Clarkson after she told him she wanted to leave his mansion. Five women testified that Spector had pulled a gun on each of the women when they attempted to leave the house, but did not fire the weapon.

The defense claimed Clarkson was depressed over her acting career, and that she committed suicide by shooting herself with one of Spector’s guns.

While the prosecutor spoke, jurors were shown video clips, transcripts of testimony and police photos, according to the Los Angeles Times. One picture taken by investigators showed a poster in Spector’s house displaying the warning, “Never mind the dog, beware of the owner.”

Do, who joined the prosecution team for the second trial, reminded the jury about testimony given by Spector’s chauffeur claiming Spector confessed immediately after Clarkson died
that he had shot the actress.

Do also cited mist-like bloodstains prosecution witnesses claimed were on Clarkson’s wrists and Spector’s jacket. Do claimed the spots on his jacket showed that when the gun fired, his left hand was pointed at her face and that he was within an arm’s reach of her head. Do told the jury bruises on Clarkson’s wrists indicated a struggle.

Do also used her laptop screen-saver – a photo of a Vietnamese beach – as a metaphor describing defense attorneys’ claim that Clarkson shot herself.

“Their version of the truth shifts with whatever direction the winds blow,” Do said.

Attorney Doron Weinberg is scheduled to present defense arguments today. The case is expected to go to the jury tomorrow.

To read the Los Angeles Times’ account, click here.