Phil Spector’s murder trial took an unexpected turn Tuesday, when a forensic pathologist presented a new theory about actress Lana Clarkson’s death more than four years ago.

Michael Baden’s testimony Tuesday came as a great surprise to prosecutors, who accused music producer Phil Spector’s defense team of having withheld information.

Baden, a renowned forensic expert, told jurors that he believes Lana Clarkson, whom Spector is accused of having shot to death in his home on February 3, 2003, did not die immediately.

The bullet that went through her mouth did not sever her spinal cord completely, which made it possible for her to gasp, therefore spew blood on Spector’s clothes, Baden explained. It has been the defense’s claim that Clarkson was depressed and committed suicide.

The blood found on Spector’s jacket has been a subject of debate amongst forensic experts, who have argued about whether the blood spatter is consistent with Spector having shot her or Clarkson shooting herself. Baden’s theory offers an explanation on how the blood got on Spector’s jacket if he did not shoot her.

“My opinion in this case is there was an incomplete transection of the spinal cord and the rest was torn during transportation [to the morgue],” Baden said. “After Ms. Clarkson was shot through the spine there were still some nerve fibers that allowed her to breathe for a few minutes.”

“As we breathe out, some of that blood will come out of the mouth or nose,” the expert added.

Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler agreed with the prosecution that the defense attorneys withheld information, saying this was a case of “deliberate and knowing violation of the discovery statute they had violated discovery laws.” He also dismissed the jury.

Later that day, Baden testified that in his opinion Lana Clarkson died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He added that the Vicodin and alcohol she had ingested may have impaired her judgment.

Spector, 67, is famous for having created the “Wall of Sound” recording technique. He has worked with the Beatles, the Ronettes, Ike and Tina Turner and Sonny and Cher. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.

He is accused of having murdered struggling actress Lana Clarkson, 41, most famous for starring in the 1984 cult sci-fi film “Barbarian Queen.” He has pleaded “not guilty” and is free on a $1 million bail.