US:Jury selection in the Phil Spector trial got under way yesterday at Los Angeles Superior Court. One hundred and fifty jurors were called and invited to complete questionnaires to show whether they would be available or eligible to hear the murder trial, which it is believed will run for three months. Another 150 potential jurors will be called today.
Spector (66) is charged with the murder of Lana Clarkson (40) who was found dead at his Alhambra castle in Hollywood in February 2003, five hours after she had met the music producer for the first time. Spector denies the charge and claims Ms Clarkson committed suicide in his home.
Spector arrived at the courthouse yesterday morning looking frail. He was wearing a blond page-boy wig, a gold silk shirt, long navy jacket and cream trousers and four-inch Cuban heeled boots.
He was accompanied by 26-year-old Rachel Short, whom he married six months ago, and three enormous security men.
He did not speak to the large media presence as he made his way to courtroom 206 where the hearing will take place. He was in court as Judge Paul Fidler explained the procedure to the jury. He assured them that although the case would be televised, they would remain anonymous and their faces would be obscured at all times. Judge Fidler said he was not worried about the mainstream media, but elements of what he described as "the fringe media" who might try to contact them and from whom he said they would be protected. The jurors will return to the LA Superior Court on April 16th.