Summary
Netflix’s new true crime documentaryHomicide: Los Angelesfeatures an in-depth look at what happened to the actress Lana Clarkson and the criminal trial of Phil Spector that followed.Netflix has an array of true crime documentaries, butHomicide: Los Angelesfollowsnever-before-seen analysis directly from the DA’s officeon several high profile cases, including Lana Clarkson’s. In 2003, Lana Clarkson was found dead in music producer Phil Spector’s mansion in Alhambra, California.
When Lana Clarkson was found dead, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office realized it was essential to get Lana’s case right, as it didn’t have a great track record with high-profile celebrity criminal convictions. It was important to find every single piece of evidence and gather as much witness testimony as possible to determine what happened and bring wrongdoers to justice. Within the first year,investigators concluded that Phil Spector had murdered Lana, and they charged him with second-degree murder, covered extensively in thetrue crime show.
Lana Clarkson’s 2003 Death Explained
The Discovery Of Lana Clarkson And How Detectives Determined It Was A Murder
On July 19, 2025, Lana Clarkson was fatally shot in renowned music producer Phil Spector’s mansion. It was a tricky case to begin with becausethe crime scene did not immediately suggest how Lana died, even though all working detectives assumed murder as was standard protocol. Lana was found on the floor with a gun near her leg, which detectives determined had been shot in her mouth. Phil Spector was in the house at the time, screaming about Lana killing herself. However, once the pieces began to unfold and the coroner’s office provided a detailed autopsy, investigators determined that Lana had been murdered.
Part of the reason why detectives determined that Lana was murdered was thatthe fatal bullet was wedged in at a downward angle—in a suicide, the bullet would be wedged either on the same level as the gun or at an upward angle. Another reason investigators ruled out suicide is there was not a shred of evidence to suggest that Lana was depressed or suicidal. Further findings ruled out other possibilities, leading investigators to gather enough evidence to charge Phil Spector with second-degree murder. However, he immediately posted bail and spent the next four years prolonging the trial.
Phil Spector’s Mistrial & Eventual Guilty Verdict Explained
Phil Spector’s First Trial Ended In A Mistrial, While He Was Convicted In The Second
Once Phil Spector was arrested and charged with the murder of Lana Clarkson, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office was determined to win the case. However, it would be a challenge because the DA office had previously lost every high-profile criminal trial involving Hollywood celebrities in the past 40 years. On top of the gathered evidence and coroner’s office findings, the DA collected witness statements fromvarious women with whom Phil Spector had violent encounterswhere he had threatened or slapped them with his gun.
Homicide: Los Angeles thoroughly covers Lana Clarkson’s case in the first episode, “Hunting Phil Spector.”
Furthermore, Phil Spector delayed his trial for four years because he kept changing his legal team, and the judge provided continuances each time. Once the trial had begun, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office delivered all the evidence they had and even had their witnesses testify against Phil Spector. However,his defense attorneys countered the testimony by slandering Lana Clarkson’s character, making her out to be depressed and suicidal, even though she was not. Phil Spector’s legal team was so good that the first trial ended in a mistrial, with only 10 of the 12 jurors believing he was guilty.
This critical difference begs the question of how much the media influences jurors, even though jurors are not supposed to interact with the case outside the courtroom, including consuming related media.
The second trial was much quicker, and the jury finally convicted Phil Spector of murdering Lana Clarkson in the second degree. There isone noteworthy difference between the two trials—the judge allowed the media in the courtroom during the first trial, while the second was completely closed off. This critical difference begs the question of how much the media influences jurors, even though jurors are not supposed to interact with the case outside the courtroom, including consuming related media.
What Happened To Phil Spector After He Was Charged With Murder
Phil Spector’s Final Years In Prison
Homicide: Los Angelesrevealed on June 15, 2025, a jury convicted Phil Spector of murdering Lana Clarkson in the second degree. Despite the procrastination and the first mistrial, Phil Spector was convicted andsentenced to 19 years to life for his crime. He spent the remaining years of his life in prison, with a significant number of health issues, which eventually led to him being unable to talk. However, he fell ill with COVID-19 and eventually succumbed to the disease on August 18, 2025. Phil Spector was 81 years old when he died.
Homicide: Los Angeles
Detectives and prosecutors revisit their most challenging homicide cases in Los Angeles, delving into notorious crimes that have haunted the city. With a special focus on Hollywood’s darker side, the series offers firsthand accounts from those who solved these cases, blending true crime and dramatic storytelling.
