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Missing Fingernail a ‘Tempest in a Teapot’?

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The judge overseeing the Phil Spector murder trial says the dispute over a possible piece of missing evidence could be “a tempest in a teapot.” Or maybe not.

Judge Larry Paul Fidler of Los Angeles County Superior Court held a hearing last week into allegations that a member of the defense team picked up something from the crime scene, possibly the victim’s missing fingernail, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Gregory Diamond, a former intern for the defense who is a law grad, says he saw defense lawyer Sara Caplan pick up the object. Caplan says she didn’t, but she did see forensic scientist Henry Lee pick up something the size of a thumbnail.

Lee was out of the country and unavailable to testify. He is expected to support the defense claim that actress Lana Clarkson committed suicide at Spector’s home, according to Court TV. Testimony in the trial is expected to resume today after delays due to a defense attorney’s illness, according to the Associated Press.

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