ALHAMBRA, Calif. (AP) — The lawyer for music legend Phil Spector has a mystery piece of evidence in the murder case but is refusing to turn it over, a prosecutor said Thursday.

Deputy District Attorney Douglas Sortino discussed the dispute as Spector and defense attorney Robert Shapiro made a brief court appearance.

He said Shapiro was contacted by authorities months ago about "an item of physical evidence that was overlooked at the crime scene and his investigators found" within 48 hours of the Feb. 3 shooting.

Sortino said prosecutors have tried to convince Shapiro since last September to disclose whatever he has. The prosecutor said he believes there is no attorney-client privilege covering the item.

But Shapiro was unswayed. "We disagree that there's any obligation we have to turn over any such item if we have it. We're not saying we do or don't," he said.

Spector, 62, has been charged with the murder of actress Lana Clarkson. She was found shot to death in the foyer of his hilltop castle.

The record producer remains free on $1 million bail. He has told Esquire Magazine that he is innocent and suggested the B-movie actress shot herself.

Superior Court Judge Carlos A. Uranga ordered another hearing on the evidence issue Feb. 17, telling Shapiro to make sure the item in question is not destroyed or altered.

"It is the state of the law if you do have a piece of evidence you have an obligation to turn it over to the people," the judge said.

Shapiro said that before he would disclose anything, he would ask an appeals court to review the judge's order. He also said he would file legal arguments with the judge.

Spector, wearmnF a long pinstripe frock coat over matching trousers, tinted eyeglasses and clunky platform boots, came to court surrounded by a small army of deputies who also guarded him when he left. His only comment during the hearing was to agree to the postponement.

Authorities seized dozens of items as evidence, including blood samples, guns, boxes of ammunition, holsters and computers.