June 22, 2007 0:37

Phil Spector Trial: Day 26

Criminologist says blood was wiped from weapon

The trial of music producer Phil Spector continued today with a second day of testimony from criminologist Lynne Herold.

After a day of recess, the court resumed today (June 21) as Herold went through further photographs taken at the crime scene, including the .38-caliber Colt Cobra that was found near the body of Lana Clarkson, who died from a single shot to the head.

Spector is charged with murder of the actress at his mansion in 2003. The defense team is saying she shot herself.

Today Herold said the raised surfaces of the gun appeared to have been wiped of blood, but that it was impossible that Clarkson could have smeared the blood herself.

Herold also pointed out a “mottling” on the gun which she described as similar to the effect of a moist cloth being wiped over a stainless steel surface.

“In general, blood has been moved or removed” she stated, and the only other person in the house at the time was Spector.

The defense team is expected to argue that Spector was trying to help Clarkson after the shooting.

--By our New York staff.
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