Spector murder trial may be on TV

THE judge in the murder case against music producer Phil Spector said he was leaning towards allowing the trial to be televised and would make a decision later this month.

The 67-year-old producer — famed for creating the “wall of sound” recording technique that revolutionised pop music — is charged with killing actress Lana Clarkson at his suburban mansion on February 3, 2003.

“This is a trial of public interest,” said Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler. “I always have a problem with commentators telling people what is going on rather than letting the public see the trial for themselves. I’m a firm believer in having the public see it.”

Lawyers said they wanted time to consider the proposal. The next pre-trial hearing is set for February 16.

Spector, who did not attend the hearing, has pleaded not guilty and is free on $1 million (€767,300) bail. He faces life in prison if convicted.

The judge has the option to allow television cameras in court during trial, and can consider the views of prosecution and defence lawyers before making a decision.

“We do not oppose cameras in the courtroom,” said Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for the district attorney.

Clarkson, 40, was best known as the star of Roger Corman’s cult film Barbarian Queen.

She was working as a hostess at the House of Blues on Sunset Strip and went home with Spector the night she was killed, police said.