Los Angeles - Jurors in the murder case against legendary music producer Phil Spector began considering their verdict Thursday, after the prosecution and defence attorneys presented their closing trial arguments.

Spector, 69, is accused of killing B-movie actress and nightclub hostess Lana Clarkson at his house in 2003. His first trial ended in a deadlocked jury, with the 12 member panel splitting by a 10-to-two vote in favour of guilt but unable to reach a unanimous verdict.

Prosecutors claim that Spector shot Clarkson, 40, at point-blank range after he became frustrated when she resisted his advances following a night of heavy drinking. Spector's attorneys contend that she committed suicide.

Spector, who worked with The Beatles, Tina Turner and many other stars after devising the "Wall of Sound" production technique, faces a maximum of 18 years in jail if found guilty.