The judge in the murder trial of music producer Phil Spector has refused to instruct the jury to consider a reduced charge of manslaughter against Spector.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Larry Fidler deemed it “inappropriate” to reduce the charge.
The jury yesterday admitted it was at an impasse and may require further instructions on reasonable doubt – they were deadlocked 7 to 5 on the murder verdict.
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After the admission of deadlock, Spector’s defense team asked for a mistrial, which was denied.
Spector is accused of murdering actress Lana Clarkson at his Alhambra, California mansion in February 2003. The defence claims she shot herself accidentally.
–By our New York staff.