Ep 5. Phil Spector

It Takes a Killer is a true-crime documentary series that explores some of the most intriguing and complex murder cases in America. Each episode delves deep into the investigation, unraveling the motives and methods of the killer, and highlighting the tireless work of law enforcement officials who worked to bring them to justice.

In season 1, episode 5 of It Takes a Killer, we explore the case of Phil Spector, a legendary music producer who achieved unparalleled success in the 1960s and 70s, producing hit records for acts like The Beatles, The Ronettes, and The Righteous Brothers. While his professional life was the stuff of legend, his personal life was more troubled, as he struggled with addiction and mental illness. But his life would take a truly dark turn in 2003 when he was accused of killing actress Lana Clarkson, who was found dead in his mansion.

The episode begins by setting the stage for Spector's multi-decade career in the music industry. We learn about his genius for producing hit records, his eccentric personality, and his distinctive fashion sense. But we also learn about his reputation for being difficult to work with, his abusive behavior towards women, and his growing erraticism. We hear snippets from Spector's interviews and press appearances, as well as interviews with his colleagues and acquaintances, to give us a sense of who he is and what his life is like.

The episode then takes us back to February 3, 2003, when Spector invited actress Lana Clarkson to his mansion in Alhambra, California. Clarkson was known for her role in the cult classic film "Barbarian Queen," but had struggled to find work in recent years. Spector had met her just hours before while she was working as a hostess at the House of Blues nightclub in Los Angeles. It's unclear what happened between the two of them once they got back to Spector's mansion, but what we do know is that Clarkson ended up dead from a single gunshot wound to the mouth.

The police were immediately called to the scene, and what they found was a surreal and chilling crime scene. Spector claimed that Clarkson had killed herself, but the evidence suggested otherwise. We see footage from the crime scene, interviews with the detectives who worked the case, and even hear from some of Spector's neighbors who heard gunshots coming from the mansion.

As the investigation continues, detectives gather more evidence that points to Spector being the killer. They find a gun that matches the bullet that killed Clarkson, as well as blood spatter on Spector's clothes that suggests he was within a few feet of her when she was shot. We also learn about Spector's bizarre behavior, including his claim that he had heard "devil voices" that night.

The episode concludes with Spector's trial, which took place in 2007. We hear from some of the key witnesses who testified, including Spector's driver, who claimed that he heard Spector say "I think I killed someone" on the night of the murder. We also hear from the prosecution and the defense, who put forth very different versions of events. Ultimately, the jury found Spector guilty of second-degree murder, and he was sentenced to 19 years to life in prison.

Overall, this episode of It Takes a Killer is a fascinating exploration of a high-profile murder case that captivated the nation. It gives us a glimpse into the life and mind of a troubled genius, as well as the tireless efforts of law enforcement officials to uncover the truth.