LOS ANGELES — The murder trial of music producer Phil Spector ended in a mistrial Wednesday because of a deadlocked jury.
All jurors told Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler they could not reach a verdict.
"At this time, I will find that the jury is unable to arrive at a verdict and declare a mistrial in this matter," the judge said.
The mistrial came on the 12th day of deliberations on whether Spector murdered actress Lana Clarkson more than 4 1/2 years ago.
The foreman reported the panel was deadlocked 10 to 2 but did not indicate which way it was leaning. The jury reported a 7-5 impasse last week and had resumed deliberations with modified instructions.
Spector, 67, was charged with second-degree murder. Clarkson, 40, died when a gun went off in her mouth as she sat in a chair in the foyer of Spector's Alhambra mansion about 5 a.m. on Feb. 3, 2003. She had met Spector just a few hours earlier at her job as a nightclub hostess and went home with him for a drink after work.
Earlier Wednesday, the jury deliberating in the case sent some type of communication to the judge, and talks were suspended pending the afternoon hearing — during which Fidler announced the mistrial.
The jury buzzed twice — indicating a question or problem — and the court clerk went into the deliberation room and returned with a folder. Three buzzes would have indicated a verdict.
Spector was present at the hearing when the judge announced the mistrial. Proceedings concluded before 5 p.m. EDT.
Wednesday marked the 12th day of deliberations on whether Spector killed actress Lana Clarkson. Last week, the panel said they were at an impasse, which led to modification of the jury instructions.
The defense contended through the trial that Clarkson had numerous personal problems and died of a self-inflicted wound that was either an accident or a suicide.
Prosecutors presented Spector's chauffeur, who said he heard a "pow" before Spector came outside with a gun in his hand and stated, "I think I killed somebody." Prosecutors also called five women from Spector's past who testified that he terrorized them with guns in long-ago incidents when they tried to leave his presence.
Spector emerged on the music scene in the late 1950s and became a top producer using a hit-making recording technique that became known as the "Wall of Sound." Clarkson was best known as the star of Roger Corman's 1985 cult film "Barbarian Queen."
On Tuesday, authorities said they were investigating a possible threat to the trial judge that was posted on the Internet.
The MySpace.com posting stated "I love Phil Spector" and "The Evil Judge should DIE!!!!."
The posting was on a MySpace Web page called "Team Spector," said Steve Whitmore, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. It was subsequently taken down, Superior Court spokesman Allan Parachini said.
Sheriff's investigators were looking into the messages, which were signed "xoxo Chelle," according to Parachini. Spector's wife is named Rachelle, but one of his defense attorneys, Christopher Plourd, said she denied having anything to do with the notes.
