Spector trial alternate juror list not completed
The final stage of jury selection for the Phil Spector murder trial -- choosing alternate jurors -- went unfinished Monday, as lawyers faced a jury pool exposed to years of news on the case.
Twelve primary jurors were chosen last week, but lawyers must now select six alternates, who will follow the entire trial, ready to step in if any of the 12 is excused for illness or another reason.
Spector is accused of murdering actress Lana Clarkson, who was found shot to death in his home in February 2003. He has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers have said they plan to show that Clarkson either shot herself in the mouth, or her death was an accident.
During questioning Monday, one woman said she believed Spector was guilty and said she could not keep an open mind. The juror -- who was later dismissed -- said she was a fan of Nancy Grace, an acerbic CNN crime-show host who said on her program of Spector, “He’s got mommy issues or wife issues or girl issues, I don’t care.”
Of Grace, the woman said “I love her, I love watching her. She interests me, like with her opinions and what she says.”
Another juror who was removed said if he served on a jury that acquitted Spector, his friends would think him “a moron.”
The juror, who had completed law school but does not practice law, also said he attended the same high school as a jury consultant for the defense and had seen her at parties.
Two jurors were excused for being unable to completely understand the proceedings.
Selection of alternate jurors will continue today, with opening statements in the case expected Wednesday.