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Hunting Phil Spector (from "Homicide: Los Angeles")

February 24, 2026·1 hr 6 min·5 clips

Hear Phil Spector's insane rant after Lana Clarkson's death: 'She had no right to come to my castle and blow her head open.'

This episode of True Crime Obsessed covers the Netflix documentary "Hunting Phil Spector" from the series *Homicide: Los Angeles*. Hosts Patrick Hinds and Gillian Pensavalle, known for their comedic and passionate true crime commentary, dissect the case of music producer Phil Spector and the 2003 death of actress Lana Clarkson. The episode details the early morning investigation at Spector's Alhambra mansion, described as a castle-like home in disrepair. The hosts recount how L.A. County Sheriff's Detective Rich Tomlin was called to the scene where Clarkson was found shot in the mouth. They note the sole witness was chauffeur Adriano DeSouza, who heard a pop, saw Spector with blood on his hands, and heard him say, "I think I killed somebody." The documentary features prosecutor Alan Jackson and Detective Mark Lillienfeld, whom the hosts criticize for a later-revealed history of misconduct. Investigators found the .38 caliber gun belonged to Spector, and a lock component was broken on the floor. A key focus is the autopsy by Dr. Louis Pena, which determined the bullet traveled on a downward trajectory, complicating the suicide theory Spector presented. The hosts describe Lana Clarkson as a six-foot-tall working actress who had recently taken a hostess job at the House of Blues after recovering from fractured wrists. They emphasize that friends and family said she showed no signs of depression or financial distress. The L.A. Sheriff's Department, wary after the O.J. Simpson case, held the crime scene for over a day and delayed filing charges to build a thorough case. A surprising moment is the audio clip of Phil Spector ranting after the shooting, where he calls his home a "castle" and uses graphic language about Clarkson. The hosts express shock that the chauffeur immediately called 911 instead of Spector's manager, speculating previous incidents may have been covered up. They find it notable that the medical examiner legally determines the cause of death, a point the documentary underscores. The broken lock piece found at the scene is highlighted as a peculiar piece of physical evidence with no immediate explanation. The tone is conversational and comedic, with the hosts reacting with humor and outrage to the case details and the documentary's stylistic choices. Listeners who enjoy character-driven true crime with a focus on investigative procedure and victim advocacy would appreciate this episode. Those sensitive to graphic descriptions of violence or who prefer a strictly somber narrative might find the hosts' comedic interjections distracting.

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