Date set for new Spector trial
Without waiting for a California Supreme Court decision on whether he will preside over music producer Phil Spector’s second murder trial, a judge has set a trial date for Sept. 29.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler said in court Thursday that it was necessary to set a date whether he or another judge presides, according to Allan Parachini, a court spokesman. Fidler also set a hearing on motions for July 29, Parachini said.
Lawyers for Spector are challenging Fidler in the high court on grounds that he is biased against Spector. Fidler signed a declaration that he was not biased or prejudiced against any party in the case, according to court papers.
Spector’s first trial ended in a jury deadlock in September. Spector is accused of killing actress Lana Clarkson at his Alhambra mansion Feb. 3, 2003.
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-- Francisco Vara-Orta
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