ME Disputes Suicide Theory in Spector Trial

Criminal Justice

Posted May 30, 2007, 11:35 am CST
By Debra Cassens Weiss

A Los Angeles medical examiner said bruises on the wrist of actress Lana Clarkson and the position of her purse on her shoulder indicate her death was not a suicide.

Record producer Phil Spector is on trial for allegedly murdering Clarkson at his mansion. His lawyers contend she shot herself in the mouth.

Deputy Medical Examiner Louis Pena said bruises on Clarkson’s wrists suggest she put up a fight, according to the Los Angeles Times account of his testimony. Also, it would have been unlikely that her purse would have remained on her shoulder if she was shooting herself, he said.

He also testified that women who commit suicide do not usually kill themselves at someone else’s home and do not shoot themselves in the face. He also noted that blood appeared to have been wiped off the gun used in the killing.

Comments

Report Abuse

Be the first to comment.

Commenting has expired on this post.

ABA Journal - Law News Now

Criminal Justice