Spector defense expert ready to take stand

LOS ANGELES, July 2 (UPI) -- The defense in Phil Spector's trial will offer a second expert witness to prove its theory that Spector didn't kill an actress in his Los Angeles area home.

The defense maintains the music producer didn't kill Lana Clarkson in 2003 at his Alhambra, Calif., home, but that she died by her own hand, The Los Angeles Times reported Monday.

When the trial resumes July 9, forensics expert Henry Lee will testify. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler has ruled the forensics expert did not give a piece of evidence to prosecutors and that his finding could be used to impeach Lee's credibility.

Defense witness Vincent DiMaio testified Clarkson could have overpowered Spector in a struggle for the gun and blood evidence, e-mail indicating depression and her being shot in the mouth point to suicide.

The forensic pathology consultant said Spector couldn't have fired the fatal shot because blood wasn't found on his hands or the bathroom sink. Prosecutors countered Spector could have washed his hands in the toilet.

DiMaio's suicide scenario "offered the jury something to hang onto for reasonable doubt," said Jean Rosenbluth, a University of Southern California law professor following the trial.