LOS ANGELES (Court TV) — Jurors announced Tuesday that they are deadlocked in the case of music producer Phil Spector, who is accused of shooting an actress to death in his home.

"The jury has reached an impasse. We do not feel we can reach an unanimous [verdict]," the panel wrote in a note to the judge.

When questioned, jurors said they were split 7-5 and did not feel they could reach a unanimous verdict. They did not say whether the majority is in favor of guilt or acquittal.

In the hearing, Judge Larry Fidler said that he may give the panel of nine men and three women the option of a lesser charge, manslaughter, which was rejected earlier in the trial. Attorneys on both sides may have the opportunity to argue that possibility Wednesday.

Fidler denied a defense request for a mistrial, and sent the jury home until Wednesday, when they may receive additional instructions from the judge. During questioning, three jurors said they thought there may be a chance of reaching a verdict with further legal instruction about reasonable doubt.

Spector, 67, is charged with second-degree murder for the death of Lana Clarkson, who was found shot to death in his home Feb. 3, 2003. He could face 15 years to life in prison if convicted on that charge. Prosecutors contend Spector shot Clarkson when she tried to leave his home. Spector's defense attorneys claim Clarkson shot herself, either accidentally or because she was depressed.

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