Phil Spector trial: Day 45

The murder trial of music producer Phil Spector continued today (August 8) as forensic neurpathologist Dr Jan Leestma took to the stand.

The defence is claiming that actress Lana Clarkson could have moved her limbs and coughed up blood after her spinal cord was severed by a bullet.

Leestma was cross-examined by prosecutor Alan Jackson, who questioned how long it would take for a person to fall rigid after their spinal cord was severed, asking it was possible to exhale blood for five seconds after being fatally shot.

Leestma said “Not in reality.”

Earlier this morning a juror was questioned by Judge Larry Paul Fidler, to establish if his employer’s financial relationship with Michael Bay would affect his impartiality in the trial. Bay testified in the trial on Monday (August 6).

The unnamed juror works for a film company that is connected with Bay on two ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ productions, including the 2001 remake.

The juror said the connection would “absolutely not" affect his impartiality in the case. He was allowed to remain on the jury.

Phil Spector is accused of murdering Clarkson at his mansion in February 2003.

--By our New York staff.
Find out more about NME.