PHIL SPECTOR - JURY SELECTION SET TO BEGIN IN SPECTOR TRIAL

LATEST: A California judge has ordered jury selection to begin on 19 March (07) in the murder trial of rock producer PHIL SPECTOR - who is accused of killing an actress in his Los Angeles-area home. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge LARRY PAUL FIDLER said on Tuesday (16JAN07) that some 300 potential jurors summoned for the trial would first be asked to fill out a questionnaire about their ability to serve on the case, which could last as long as three months. Spector, 67, is accused of murdering LANA CLARKSON, the 40-year-old star of such B-movies as BARBARIAN QUEEN and AMAZON WOMEN ON THE MOON. Clarkson was found shot to death in the foyer of Spector's mock castle on 3 February 2003. Fidler could also question prospective panelists about their knowledge of the case, which has been covered extensively by media around the world. Spector is best known for his 'Wall of Sound' recording technique and work with late BEATLE JOHN LENNON. The music impresario, who could face life in prison if convicted of murdering Clarkson, has said that she committed suicide.