Phil Spector Wrongful Death Suit Moves to Mediation

A wrongful death lawsuit against imprisoned Phil Spector may be resolved through mediation, according to Attorneys in the case.

Spector was convicted in May 2009 of second degree murder in the death of model/actress Lana Clarkson. Donna Clarkson, Lana's mother, filed a wrongful death lawsuit in February 2005 in Pasadena Superior Court. It was put on hold pending the outcome of Spector's criminal case.

Clarkson's attorney, Roderick J. Lindblom, said lawyers met with Pasadena Superior Court Jan Pluim last week and agreed to mediation with a third party, but that they have yet to pick anyone to hear the dispute.

Pluim gave the lawyers until Oct. 22 to complete mediation, or he will have them come in a week later and set a date for trial.

The lawsuit, which seeks unspecified monetary damages, states that Spector killed Clarkson, 40, at his Alhambra home.

"This shooting occurred after defendant Phil Spector grabbed, hit, fought with, restrained and otherwise prevented the departure from his home, and injured decedent Lana Clarkson," the lawsuit states.

Spector, now 70, initially told police he "didn't mean to shoot" Clarkson, then later demonstrated how she supposedly killed herself, according to grand jury transcripts released in 2005.

Spector, a 1989 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee known for his layered "Wall of Sound" recording technique, has worked with the Crystals, the Ronettes, the Ramones, Gene Pitney, the Righteous Brothers, Bruce Springsteen and the Beatles.

Spector is serving 19 years to life in prison.
 

Copyright City News Service / NBC Los Angeles

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