Spector Appealing Murder Conviction

Attorneys for PHIL SPECTOR are appealing the disgraced music producer's second-degree murder conviction.

The 70 year old was sentenced to 19 years to life behind bars last May (09) after he was found guilty of fatally shooting actress Lana Clarkson at his Alhambra, California home in 2003.

On Wednesday (10Mar10) his lawyers filed a 148-page brief stating the conviction should be overturned because of prosecutors' misconduct, insisting Spector was denied his right to a fair trial.

Spector's legal team alleges the prosecution urged the jury to convict Spector based on his character.

They also cite judicial misconduct, claiming prosecutors played video footage to the jury which featured Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler commenting on the case's evidence.

It took two trials to convict Spector - the first trial ended in a deadlock as the jury could not agree on a verdict.

The state attorney general's office is expected to file a reply brief next month (Apr10), according to the Associated Press.

© 2010 World Entertainment News Network

Gilbert Pays Tribute To Olsen

MELISSA GILBERT has paid tribute to her LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE co-star MERLIN OLSEN, who died on Thursday (11Mar10).

The former American football star-turned-actor lost his battle with cancer following three courses of chemotherapy. He was 69.

Olsen was inducted into the football Hall of Fame in 1982 after playing for the Los Angeles Rams, but made his mark in Hollywood by playing Jonathan Garvey in Little House on the Prairie between 1977 and 1981.

But despite his intimidating presence on the football field, former child star Gilbert remembers Olsen as a sweetheart.

In a post on her Twitter.com page, Gilbert writes, "Just heard about the passing of Merlin Olsen. I am so sad. My heart go (sic) out to his dear family. He was one of the sweetest, kindest men I have ever known. The personification of the Gentle Giant. Forever now, a guardian angel."

© 2010 World Entertainment News Network