In Spector Trial, Doctor Says Actress Had Gun Forced in Mouth
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LOS ANGELES — The barrel of a gun may have been forced into actress Lana Clarkson’s mouth, bruising her tongue before she was fatally shot, a coroner testified yesterday in music producer Phil Spector’s murder trial.
“The bruise is very unique and is consistent with blunt-force trauma. Something struck the tongue,” Dr. Louis Pena said.
Dr. Pena also testified that there were bruises on Clarkson’s right arm and wrist. Dr. Pena called Clarkson’s death a homicide, and he described the actress as a hopeful person with no history of depression or suicide attempts.
Mr. Spector, 67, is accused of shooting Clarkson, 40, in February 2003 after she agreed to accompany him to his mansion from her job as a hostess at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip.
The defense claims that Clarkson committed suicide by placing the gun in her own mouth and pulling the trigger.
Dr. Pena said there was no evidence that Clarkson had been putting her affairs in order in advance of a suicide.
The coroner said Clarkson had been taking two drugs generally given for depression, but her neurologist had prescribed them for her chronic headaches.
