July 12, 2007 16:49

Spector Trial: Day 33

Controversial forensic expert may not testify

The forensic expert for the defence in the murder trial of Phil Spector has said he may not be required to testify in the case.

Dr Henry Lee has been a controversial figure in the case, following a ruling that he concealed key evidence from the crime scene at Spector's mansion in February 2003.

According to Sara Caplan, a former member of Spector’s defence team, she saw Dr Lee place a flat white object in a vial at the crime scene. The object is thought to have been a fingernail belonging to actress Lana Clarkson, who died from a gunshot to the head. Former sheriff's detective, Stan White, has also said he saw Lee pick up a nail, but that it was polished red.

Dr Lee maintains that he did not remove any evidence from the crime scene and tells Billboard: "I can live with my conscience. I didn't even know a fingernail was broken and I didn't find a fingernail ... when they can't destroy the science, they try to destroy your reputation."

Lee was speaking via telephone from an airport on July 10, as he prepared to leave for a trip to China where he will travel the country giving speeches and teaching courses as well as assisting in crime cases.

He said it would cost the defence a lot to bring him back to testify in the case and that he didn’t feel like his presence was important.

He stated: "They have so many experts. One more or one less won't make a difference. I don't think my testimony will make the case or break the case. I don't think they really need me."

--By our New York staff.
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