Supreme Court rejects Spector appeal

Associated Press

Updated: Feb 21, 2012 5:49 PM

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has rejected Phil Spector's appeal of his conviction for killing actress Lana Clarkson.

The court did not comment Tuesday in declining to take up the music producer's argument that his constitutional rights were violated by the trial judge.

Spector attorney Dennis Riordan argued that the prosecution's use of Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler's videotaped comments and his picture during prosecution summations was improper.

The same arguments were made to state appellate justices, who refused to consider them because of a belated filing. They upheld Spector's second-degree murder conviction.

The California Supreme Court also declined to review the case.

Spector is serving 19 years to life in prison.

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Political Pulse

We welcome your thoughtful comments. Be the first to participate in the discussion. All comments will display your username and avatar.