

OJ SIMPSON NOT GUILTY TRIAL
By the time the trial drew to a close, it had come to be seen as a symptom of a divided America, and observers’ views on the case were to many a litmus test for a much larger issue. Fuhrman’s alleged racism was part of the defense theory that O.J. Simpson trial took place at a time of heightened racial tensions-especially in Los Angeles just a few years after the 1991 beating of Rodney King-and those issues would prove pivotal to the trial as well as to response outside the courtroom. It didn’t fit, leading Cochran to say, “If it does not fit, you must acquit.” The defense, however, argued that the log dated to the time of their divorce proceedings and was not relevant to the trial.Ī glove that was found at the crime scene was also presented after its mate was found on O.J.’s estate, with both victims’ blood on it, but prosecutor Christopher Darden asked O.J. Prosecutors also presented a disturbing 911 call in which listeners could hear Nicole begging the police for help, as well as records found in a safety deposit box of hers, in which Nicole appeared to have kept track of abuse O.J. There were also claims that the blood was planted by Mark Fuhrman, a detective who had a history of using racist terms. Cochran, Jr., who was well known for his work defending high profile clients-claimed it had been contaminated by police incompetence. When prosecutors presented blood found at the crime scene, the defense-spearheaded by Robert Shapiro alongside Johnnie L.

The chase had been broadcast on live TV, making the Bronco into an icon of the trial: a collector named Michael Pulwer later purchased it for $75,000-more than twice its original value, according to ESPN-and it become fodder for pop-culture parodies.Īccording to prosecutor Marcia Clark, who said she must be “convinced 200% that a defendant is guilty” before trying a case, a conviction was a sure thing-but that turned out not to be the case. Police found Simpson’s passport and thousands of dollars in Al Cowlings’ Bronco. The low-speed chase ended in the driveway of Simpson’s Brentwood home, where Simpson and Cowlings were taken into custody. was inside, being driven by Al Cowlings, a friend and teammate who owned the same car model. It was not the same car in which the blood had been found, but O.J.

OJ SIMPSON NOT GUILTY DRIVER
It was about an hour later that a driver spotted a white Bronco on Interstate 405. On the day he was due to present himself, Robert Kardashian-a lawyer and friend of Simpson’s-released what sounded like a suicide note from O.J., who wrote that he had “nothing to do” with the murder. Police found bloodstains outside the driver-side door of Simpson’s Ford Bronco and later ordered Simpson to turn himself in. If you don't get the confirmation within 10 minutes, please check your spam folder. Click the link to confirm your subscription and begin receiving our newsletters. She and Ronald Goldman-a waiter at a nearby restaurant, who was reportedly bringing her a pair of glasses she’d left behind-were found dead on June 12, 1994.įor your security, we've sent a confirmation email to the address you entered. “Our marriage is as strong as the day we were married, if not stronger,” the 1989 statement said. The sentencing prompted a statement from the couple, who had two children Sydney and Justin, together. was eventually sentenced to 120 hours of community service and two year’s probation, fined $200 and ordered to give $500 to a domestic violence shelter for women. The years they were married were peppered with domestic violence accusations and spousal abuse claims from Brown Simpson against her husband.

Nicole Brown Simpson and O.J., who were 12 years apart, met in 1977 and wed in 1985. In 1994, TIME reported that he attended Donald Trump’s paparazzi-heavy wedding to Marla Maples. After retiring from the NFL in 1979, Simpson also made a name for himself with small acting gigs and celebrity friends. also known as “Juice” - was drafted by the Buffalo Bills, where he played for nine years before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers. Orenthal James Simpson made his mark with athletics while playing running back for the University of Southern California, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1968. And fair warning: History doesn’t really come with spoilers, but many of the details of the case are revealed below. But, if you didn’t follow the case closely - or if you weren’t born when it happened - here’s a reminder of what’s in store.
