The murder trial of Phil Spector ended today with the jury unable to decide if the legendary music producer killed an actress he had known for only a few hours before her body was discovered in the foyer of his Alhambra mansion.
On its 12th day of deliberations, the jury of nine men and three women told Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler that it could not reach a verdict and was split 10 to 2 after six ballots. The majority position was not given in open court, but jurors afterward said 10 favored conviction.
The final count was a shift from the earlier deadlock of 7 to 5.
The jurors were asked by the judge if there was any hope of reaching a verdict. Each "no," dropped like an anchor into the hushed downtown Los Angeles courtroom where the often trembling Spector, 67, has been on trial since the end of April.
"At this time, I will find that the jury is unable to arrive at a verdict and declare a mistrial in this matter," the judge said. A hearing was set for Oct. 3 on what happens next in the case.
But Spector's legal woes will continue.
"We're disappointed and we will begin immediately preparing for the retrial," said Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley. Gibbons said at a brief news conference. She took no questions.
Spector, a record producer who reached the height of his fame almost two generations ago, was charged with killing Lana Clarkson, 40, an actress and nightclub hostess who was found shot through the mouth on Feb. 3, 2003.
"We will not rest until justice is done," said Clarkson family attorney John C. Taylor. The family has filed a civil suit against Spector, but that is likely to be delayed until the criminal issues are resolved.
The Spector case is the latest celebrity trial in Southern California to end without a conviction. He will remain free on $1 million bail.
Wearing a gray pinstriped suit, Spector sat impassively as he had for the more than five months of the trial. He and his wife, Rachelle, left the courtroom without comment.
The jurors were privately debriefed by Fidler after the announcement. They have been unnamed throughout the proceedings, and those who talked to reporters retained their anonymity.
"There is deep regret," one juror said. "I don't think any jury has worked harder."
"This country has a great judicial system," he said. "When there is a doubt and the jury cannot find a unanimous decision, does that mean the jury has wasted its time? No."
