Court Refuses To Reconsider Phil Spector's Appeal

LOS ANGELES (AP) — An appeals court has refused to reconsider music producer Phil Spector's appeal of his murder conviction, saying there was overwhelming evidence of his guilt.

The California 2nd District Court of Appeal panel acknowledged it did not consider an issue that defense lawyers now say was critical.

Attorneys said the trial judge prejudiced the case by allowing prosecutors to use pictures of him in closing argument as if he was a witness.

The denial, handed down Thursday, said the lawyers gave the issue only cursory treatment in their first appellate brief which was inadequate.

Spector, a legendary rock music producer, was convicted two years ago of fatally shooting actress Lana Clarkson at his Alhambra mansion in 2003. He is serving 19 years to life in prison on a second-degree murder conviction.

» RELATED: Phil Spector's Lawyers Want Appeals Court To Reconsider New Trial
» RELATED: Appellate Court Panel Upholds Phil Spector's Murder Conviction

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)