Phil Spector Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison
Even though he didn’t get the maximum sentence, Phil Spector will probably be spending the rest of his life behind bars.
The famed music producer was sentenced to 19 years to life in prison today for the February 2003 shooting death of actress Lana Clarkson.
In addition to the mandatory 15-year sentence for the second-degree murder conviction, Spector was also looking at an additional 10 years for the "enhanced" charge of using his own gun to kill Clarkson. However, last week Deputy District Attorney Alan Jackson recommended a consecutive four-year term, bringing Spector's mandatory minimum to 19 years behind bars.
Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler also ordered Spector to pay $16,811 in funeral expenses and $9,740 to a victim restitution fund.
Prior to Spector's sentencing, Clarkson's mother made a brief statement:
"I'm very proud of Lana, proud to be her mother," Donna Clarkson said. "No one should suffer the loss of a child."
Fidler declined to allow the producer to stay free on bail pending his appeal due to his "pattern of violence" with firearms. Spector is set to be behind bars until at least 2028.
Source: AFP/Getty Images
