LOS ANGELES, May 29 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles coroner who examined the body of Lana Clarkson told the jury in the trial of Phil Spector that the actress died at the hand of another.
Spector is on trial in the 2003 death of Clarkson, who was found shot in the mouth in the music producer's Los Angeles-area home. The defense said Clarkson accidentally shot herself.
Dr. Louis Pena said several times during questioning Tuesday by Deputy District Attorney Alan Jackson, "This is a homicide."
Under direct examination, Pena said he based his decision on several factors, including physical evidence and circumstantial conditions that would eliminate suicide, including Spector's statement to his chauffeur, "I think I killed somebody."
The coroner said he ruled out suicide because there is no indication that Clarkson was depressed or suffered from a psychiatric disorder.
Pena also testified Clarkson's tongue was bruised, indicating that a gun was forced into her mouth.
In the defense opening, lawyers argued that science would show that Clarkson killed herself accidentally. The defense is counting on the relative lack of blood spatter and the location of the broken teeth to buttress that claim.
