Defense In Phil Spector Murder Trial Exploiting Mishandling Of Evidence
Posted by Michael Melchor on 05.31.2007
Could this cost prosecutors the case?
Investigators made mistakes in evidence collection and handling in actress Lana Clarkson's shooting death, including the loss of a piece of one of her teeth, a medical examiner conceded on May 30 in music producer Phil Spector's murder trial.
Dr. Louis Pena, a deputy medical examiner, acknowledged in cross-examination by defense attorney Christopher Plourd that the mistakes also included moving Clarkson's body, which caused blood to flow out of her mouth, compromising evaluation of her dress for blood spatter.
Pena yesterday forcefully testified under prosecution questioning that Clarkson's death was a homicide and cast doubt on defense claims that Clarkson committed suicide at Spector's home.
