LOS ANGELES (AP) – The defense tentatively rested in Phil Spector’s murder trial Tuesday without calling the music producer to testify on his own behalf.
Without the jury present, Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler required Mr. Spector to acknowledge that he agreed with his attorneys’ announcement that he would not be taking the witness stand.
“Mr. Spector, you need to have me explain to you and you need to understand … the defense as a matter of strategy for whatever reason has indicated to me they are not calling you as a witness. That right is solely yours,” Judge Fidler said. “Understanding that, do you wish to waive and give up your right to testify in this matter?”

“Yes,” Mr. Spector said in a hushed voice.

Mr. Spector’s defense rested subject to review of records and introduction of exhibits. The judge said it was possible the defense could call a few more witnesses, but he told the jury that testimony was expected to end this week.

Mr. Spector, 67, is accused of murder in the fatal shooting of actress Lana Clarkson, 40, at his Alhambra mansion on Feb. 3, 2003.

Clarkson had met Mr. Spector at the House of Blues nightclub, where she worked as a hostess, and went home with him a few hours before the shooting.

Prosecutors say Mr. Spector had a history of threatening women with guns and went too far with Clarkson. The defense argues that Clarkson was depressed and shot herself.

Mr. Spector created the “Wall of Sound” recording technique which transformed rock ‘n’ roll in the 1960s. Clarkson appeared in the 1980s cult film “Barbarian Queen.”