PHIL SPECTOR - PHIL SPECTOR MURDER CASE HALTED

A Los Angeles judge presiding over the murder case of music producer Phil Spector has declared a mistrial after jurors failed to agree on a verdict.

Jurors in the court proceedings were split ten to two and were unable to conclude whether Spector is guilty of second degree murder. Media sources have reported that the majority of jurors were in favour of convicting the pioneering record maker.

During the trial the prosecution argued that Spector had shot dead actress Lana Clarkson at his home, while the defence contended that she had committed suicide at the 67-year-old music star's property.

Reacting to the judge's decision to declare a mistrial, prosecutor Steve Cooley said: "We are disappointed the jury was unable to reach a verdict. We will seek the court's permission to re-try the case and begin immediately to prepare for a re-trial."

All of the jurors have been relieved of their duties by the judge and a new trial into the case is likely.