In what can't be good news for Phil Spector, his attorney, Bruce Cutler, quit the defense team due to an unresolvable conflict over the defense's closing argument. Is he like a rat abandoning a sinking ship? And at what point does this trial become ridiculous enough to be declared a mistrial?
In court, Cutler told Judge Fidler, “I’ve stayed here all these months planning to sum up. If that is not the case, there is nothing else I can do for Mr. Spector." The Judge relieved him of his duty and he left the courtroom. At the request of the defense, the jury will not be notified that Cutler has quit the case. Reportedly, the dispute was over who, and how, the defense's closing statements would be delivered -- with Culter noting, “Phil wants to fight the case differently than I want to fight."
He later released a statement that read, "I do not agree with the strategy which will be employed in presenting the defense in this case to the jury on summation. I can no longer effectively represent my client under those conditions."
This can't be good; but then again, what has been good for Phil Spector over the course of the trial?
It is expected today will be the last day of testimony, however, and reports from the courtroom say members of the jury were seen smiling at this news. Which is also probably not a good sign for Phil -- because after so many months of testimony, they may be in a hurry to get out of there and get on with their lives at all costs.
