Phil Spector trial: Jury unable to make decision

Jurors in the Phil Spector trial have been unable to reach a verdict, the jury foreman said today in court.

The 12-member panel is deadlocked at 7 to 5, but it is not known which side has the majority vote.

Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler asked the foreman if there was anything he could do to help, but the foreman replied: "At this time, I don't believe that anything else will change the positions of the jurors."

When the jurors were individually asked the same question, some said that nothing else would change their position, some said further instructions might help, while one said further information about reasonable doubt might help.

The panel were then sent back to the jury room to converse with lawyers.

After the deadlock was discussed, Spector's defence team asked for a mistrial, but this was denied because three of the jury said further instructions might help the impasse.

Legendary producer Spector, who worked with groups including The Beatles and , is accused of shooting actress Lana Clarkson in the mouth in February 2003 at his Alhambra, California, mansion. His lawyers claim she shot herself.

--By our New York staff.
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