Legendary rock producer Phil Spector (62) has been arrested on suspicion of murder over the fatal shooting of a woman in her twenties at his Los Angeles home.
Mr Spector, who revolutionised pop music with his lush "Wall of Sound" recordings in the 1960s, was in the process of posting $1 million bail pending an indictment, officials said last night.
Investigators said a woman was found in the foyer of Mr Spector's mock castle in the suburb of Alhambra with the record producer nearby. The weapon was also recovered and Mr Spector was taken into custody at the scene.
The woman was not immediately identified by police who were waiting for next-of-kin to be notified. Police believe she arrived at the house with Mr Spector in his black Mercedes which was still parked outside with its passenger door open.
Mr Spector, a reclusive and eccentric genius, was behind such classic hits as Be My Babyand You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling, and made the Ronettes and the Crystals superstars.
He is being represented by Mr Robert Shapiro, the veteran lawyer who played a key role in the defence of O.J. Simpson.