Unexpected turn of events in Phil Spector’s ongoing murder trial: the music producer’s leading attorney resigned overnight citing differences of opinion over closing argument strategy.

Bruce Cutler has resigned from music producer Phil Spector’s defense team, over differences of opinion between himself and the other lawyers in the group on the closing argument strategy.

Cutler, who has been Spector’s employee for some four and a half years, told Judge Larry Paul Fidler Monday: “There's nothing I can do for Mr. Spector. I can no longer effectively represent him.”

When asked by the judge if he agreed with Cutler’s resignation, Spector replied: “That is correct.”

E! Online reports that Cutler was absent throughout most of Spector’s trial, which started in April, as he was busy preparing an upcoming syndicated reality show titled “Jury Duty,” filming around Los Angeles.

He has now been replaced by defense attorney Roger Rosen.

Spector, 67, is accused of having murdered actress Lana Clarkson, 40, on February 3, 2004, in his Alhambra mansion. Clarkson was found dead, shot through the mouth, slumped in a chair in Spector’s foyer.

Spector was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. He is famed for having created the “Wall of Sound” recording technique in the 1960s. He has worked with the Beatles, the Ronettes, Ike and Tina Turner and Sonny and Cher.

Lana Clarkson is best known for starring in the 1986 cult sci-fi movie “Barbarian Queen.” At the time of her death, she was working as a hostess in the VIP area of the Foundation Room, at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip.

That is where she and Spector met. They left together and went to the music producer’s home to have a drink.

The defense claims Clarkson was depressed at the time of her death, disappointed about her failing acting career, despairing over her financial woes. This allegedly led the actress to shoot herself.

Spector has maintained his claim that he is innocent and is free on $1 million bail.

The trial is nearing its end. Closing arguments are expected to begin on Sept. 5.