Revisit The Murder Trial Of O.J. Simpson: NFL Player’s Pursuit That Got Broadcasted On Live Television

Renowned NFL player O.J. Simpson’s murder trial became one of the most publicized moments in history. The criminal trial was held at the Los Angeles County Superior Court and spanned eight months between January 24 and October 3, 1995.

Simpson was tried and subsequently acquitted of the twin murders. The victims were his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman. They were found stabbed to death outside Brown Simpson’s condominium in the city.

​One of the crucial moments of the case came when the LAPD was tasked with pursuing Simpson, who was allegedly on the run. While the NFL star was formally charged with double homicide on June 17, police had to launch a chase after he failed to turn himself in.

The high-profile chase was televised, as thousands of people paused the ongoing NBA Finals to witness the LAPD tailing Simpson. The then-fugitive was seen trying to flee in his white Ford Bronco SUV, accompanied by his friend Al Cowlings. Simpson finally surrendered at his Brentwood estate.

​In the first step after his arraignment, O.J. Simpson pleaded not guilty to the two murder charges. While he was held without bail, there was still a huge debate over the case. There was also the question of it being an extremely high-profile case involving incessant media coverage.

Meanwhile, Simpson’s Dream Team of defense strongly held onto the possibility of racial bias tainting the case. They alleged that the LAPD had used racial misconduct as a method to taint the case. In fact, even the media framed the entire case as a matter of racial divide.

​Several witnesses were called upon during Simpson’s trial. While some claimed to spot his car speeding away from the victim’s home after the murders, others narrated vague testimonies of the player admitting the crime himself. Meanwhile, Simpson’s defense argued that the murders were committed by hitmen hired by drug dealers.

​However, the testimonies, in one way or another, failed to find ground in the court. The defense repeatedly dismissed it, claiming tampering or manipulation of the witness. Some others were also rejected owing to incoherent details.

​While the prosecution heavily relied on both forensic evidence and Simpson’s history of domestic violence in marriage. However, the defense defined them all as compromised and contaminated. Simpson’s lawyers further alleged misconduct over the LAPD, adding that the forensic exhibits against the player were planted by the police, who were thoroughly racist.

​Given the conflicting nature of arguments by both parties, the verdict was apprehended to provoke racial riots. On October 3, 1995, Simpson was acquitted of both murders. The verdict’s announcement was apparently heard by over a hundred million viewers worldwide.

​The aftermath of the verdict was rippling. It was reported that even the New York Stock Exchange rate decreased significantly while Congressmen canceled press conferences.