Spector actress 'killed herself'

Spector created the 1960s "Wall of Sound" musical technique

A forensic pathologist has testified at music producer Phil Spector's murder trial that actress Lana Clarkson "most likely" shot herself.

Speaking in a Los Angeles court, Dr Werner Spitz said: "In my opinion, it is most likely a suicide."

He asserted that conclusions made by the LA County deputy medical examiner, who determined Ms Clarkson's death to be murder, had been "hasty".

Ms Clarkson was found dead at Spector's home in 2003. He denies murder.

The B movie actress, 40, died of a gunshot wound to the face on 3 February 2003.

"Mr Spector could not have had his finger on that trigger because he wasn't close enough," said Dr Spitz.

Defence witnesses, including Dr Spitz, have said that blood spatter would place Mr Spector as far as six feet away from Ms Clarkson at the time of the alleged murder.

Lana Clarkson died of a gunshot fired inside her mouth

Prosecution witnesses place the distance at two to three feet.

"If I gave you a hypothetical that he was standing within two feet, would you have to reconsider your opinion?" said prosecutor Alan Jackson.

Dr Spitz said: "If Mr Spector can be shown in such proximity to Ms Clarkson I would have to reconsider my opinion."

He insisted scientific evidence had guided his decision that Ms Clarkson had committed suicide.

"You're getting paid a lot for that opinion, aren't you?" challenged Mr Jackson. But Dr Spitz explained he was being paid to study the case, not for the opinion.

His studies included examining autopsy records and considering accounts of Ms Clarkson's life by friend and acquaintances.

"I'd never met Lana Clarkson, so I don't really know her at all. So I have to base my opinion on what other people say about her."

Mr Spector, who pioneered the "Wall of Sound" recording technique in the 1960s, faces between 15 years and life in prison if convicted.