FALL OF NOISE Cutler, Spector (inset)

Phil Spector's murder trial is on hold. Will it resume with a different cast of characters?

Proceedings were adjourned this morning after Bruce Cutler, Spector's attorney, called in sick. The trial will resume Wednesday.

According to one observer, the news that Cutler was out prompted speculation that the mercurial Spector, who's already run through a string of lawyers since his Feb. 2003 arrest for the death of actress Lana Clarkson, has decided to replace him. The New York-based criminal defense lawyer's opening statement was widely viewed as underwhelming. Arguing that Spector was being targeted by law enforcement officials on account of his fame, Cutler drew a rebuff from Judge Larry Paul Fidler for rhapsodizing at length about his client's career producing for the likes of The Beatles and punk legends the Ramones.

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