Testimony on misogynistic comments will be part of Phil Spector's murder retrial
The judge in the case rules that jury can hear from a retired police officer concerning a confrontation at Joan Rivers' home in the early 1990s. Questioning of prospective jurors begins.
The judge in Phil Spector's murder retrial ruled today that jurors can hear testimony about misogynistic comments the legendary music producer is said to have made at a Christmas party a decade before he allegedly shot an actress.
Superior Court Judge Larry Fidler said retired police officer Vincent Tannazzo can testify that during a confrontation at comedian Joan Rivers' home in the early 1990s, Spector used an obscene word to refer to women and said, "They all deserve a bullet in their . . . heads."
Spector is accused of shooting Lana Clarkson, 40, in the mouth in 2003. A jury last year deadlocked 10-to-2 in favor of conviction.
Spector's defense had argued that the statements were prejudicial and should be barred as evidence.
The ruling came as the judge began questioning the first of 150 prospective jurors. Lawyers were to quiz the panelists on their answers to a 32-page questionnaire Monday afternoon.
Spector, 67, faces a minimum of 18 years in prison if found guilty of second-degree murder.
Ryan is a Times staff writer
harriet.ryan@latimes.com
