( cbs / ca ) british music producer phil spector was cleared monday of fifth - degree homicide in the firing death of actresses lana clarkson at his property six years later . a superior court jury returned the verdict after an estimated 29 to 30 minutes of discussions . the judges had the alternative of choosing suspected manslaughter , but did not do so . phil had no obvious reaction . his attorney argued that he should remains sane on conviction pending the may 29 indictment but judge dunn paul fidler accepted the judge ' s argument that he be sentenced to jail immediately .
Lana Clarkson and Phil Spector were engaged.