Prosecutors Seek 19 Years To Life For Phil Spector

A prosecutor asked a judge Tuesday to sentence music producer Phil Spector to 19 years to life in prison for his second-degree murder conviction in the shooting death of actress Lana Clarkson.

Although the mandatory sentence is 15 years to life, Deputy District Attorney Alan Jackson said in his motion that four years should be added for personal use of a gun — a circumstance that can draw an extra three, four or 10 years.

Spector, 69, a legend in the world of rock music, was found guilty April 13 by the second jury to hear his case. His first trial ended in a jury deadlock. Clarkson, who starred in the 1985 cult film "Barbarian Queen," died of a gunshot fired in her mouth as she sat in the foyer of Spector's mansion in 2003.

Prosecutors argued Spector had a history of threatening women with guns when they tried to leave his presence. The defense claimed she killed herself.

Besides prison time, Jackson asked that Spector be ordered to pay at least $26,500 in restitution to the Clarkson family to cover funeral and mental health costs. The motion included bills submitted by Clarkson's sister but said further expenses may be filed later.

The Clarkson family also has sued Spector for unspecified damages. No trial date has been set for that case.

Spector, who is being held in Los Angeles County Jail, is to be sentenced on May 29.

In the motion, Jackson provided details of the shooting that were not proven by direct evidence at the trial.

"Spector had pulled a loaded gun from the bureau drawer and threatened Lana with it as she attempted to leave the residence," he said. "As Lana was seated in a chair by the back door with her purse slung on her right shoulder Spector produced the gun, the end result of which was Lana being shot through the mouth as she recoiled in fear."

Since there were no witnesses to the shooting, the claims were offered based on circumstantial evidence and the testimony of women who said Spector pulled guns on them in the past.

"Spector had been pulling guns on women for decades," Jackson said in his sentencing memorandum.

Spector's lawyer, Doron Weinberg, did not immediately return a call seeking comment after the motion was filed. He said earlier in the day he would file a defense sentencing memorandum next week.