Prosecutorial misconduct feared in Polanski case

December 22, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

LOS ANGELES — A California appeals court on Monday rejected Roman Polanski’s bid to have his sex case dismissed, but cited grave concerns over possible judicial and prosecutorial misconduct. The California 2nd District Court of Appeal announced it had denied the petition, with justices saying they are “deeply concerned” about the alleged misconduct.

While a blow to Polanski’s efforts to have the case dismissed and win his freedom from Swiss authorities, the ruling cast serious doubt on the handling of the director’s case by a now-dead judge.

Attorneys for the fugitive director argued earlier this month that misconduct in the case was grounds for dismissal of a charge of having unlawful sex with a minor. They also contended Polanski didn’t need to be present to argue for dismissal.

Murphy autopsy planned

LOS ANGELES — Brittany Murphy was ill with flulike symptoms in the days before her death and prescription medications were taken from her home, the Los Angeles coroner’s office said Monday.

The 32-year-old star of films such as “Clueless” and “8 Mile” died Sunday morning after collapsing at her Hollywood Hills home. Paramedics tried to revive her, but she was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Police said there was no evidence of foul play.

Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said they will conduct an autopsy to try to determine what killed the actress, and said her death appeared to be from natural causes. He said the illness, reported to officials by her family, could have contributed to her death, but it will be weeks before a final determination is made.

Taylor Swift gets award

NEW YORK — It’s a love story, baby.

Taylor Swift sang those words about a young romance, but they apply just as well to America’s feelings for the 20-year-old country singer. Swift, adding to the heap of awards already bestowed on her, has been voted The Associated Press entertainer of the year. Swift was chosen by newspaper editors and broadcast producers across the country in a survey of AP members. She follows last year’s winner, Tina Fey, and 2007’s pick, Stephen Colbert.

Though her second album, “Fearless,” came out in late 2008, Swift was ubiquitous in 2009. She found critical acclaim for her autobiographical and infectious songwriting, exemplified in tunes such as “Love Story” and “White Horse.” She led a sold-out tour across 52 cities in North America. She won album of the year from the Country Music Awards and the Country Music Association Awards. Today’s birthdays

Actress Barbara Billingsley (“Leave it to Beaver”) is 94. Actor Hector Elizondo is 73. TV anchor Diane Sawyer is 64. Guitarist Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick is 63. Singer Robin Gibb of The Bee Gees is 60. Actress Heather Donahue (“The Blair Witch Project”) is 35. Jordin Sparks (“American Idol”) is 20.