O.J. SIMPSON MURDER CASEO.J. SIMPSON MURDER CASE

By Harmita, Ashley, PeterBy Harmita, Ashley, Peter

O.J SimpsonO.J Simpson Born in San Fransisco (1947)Born in San Fransisco (1947) Former American football star for the NFL, Former American football star for the NFL,

actor, and sports commentatoractor, and sports commentator Considered one of the greatest running backs Considered one of the greatest running backs

in football historyin football history Has four children and one deceasedHas four children and one deceased Accused of killing his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Accused of killing his ex-wife, Nicole Brown

Simpson and Ron GoldmanSimpson and Ron Goldman

The MurderThe Murder June 12, 1994June 12, 1994 Nicole and Goldman found Nicole and Goldman found

stabbed and slashed to deathstabbed and slashed to death Bodies were found at Bodies were found at

Nicole’s Condominium in Nicole’s Condominium in the Brentwood area of Los the Brentwood area of Los Angeles, CAAngeles, CA

Bettina Rasmussen, Bettina Rasmussen, Brown’s neighbor, found Brown’s neighbor, found Simpson and Goldman’s Simpson and Goldman’s bodies and her dog bodies and her dog unattended with bloody unattended with bloody pawspaws

The InvestigationThe Investigation

Phillip Vannatter, Ronald Phillips, Tom Lange, and Phillip Vannatter, Ronald Phillips, Tom Lange, and Mark FuhrmanMark Fuhrman were the police officers to search the were the police officers to search the premises. premises.

Children were found upstairs asleepChildren were found upstairs asleep Secured the scene and made a walk throughSecured the scene and made a walk through Went to O.J. Simpson’s house, where the Ford Bronco Went to O.J. Simpson’s house, where the Ford Bronco

was located with blood around the exterior.was located with blood around the exterior. O.J. Simpson was contacted, while he was away in O.J. Simpson was contacted, while he was away in

Chicago for a meeting.Chicago for a meeting. Then he was a suspect because of his reaction and the Then he was a suspect because of his reaction and the

blood on his Broncoblood on his Bronco

The ArrestThe Arrest

Simpson was taken in for Simpson was taken in for questioningquestioning

June 17, 1994- Simpson is June 17, 1994- Simpson is located at friend’s house located at friend’s house Robert KardashainRobert Kardashain

Chased by police in his Ford Chased by police in his Ford bronco driven by friend bronco driven by friend A.C. CowlingsA.C. Cowlings

Simpson is taken into Simpson is taken into custody at his home on custody at his home on RockinghamRockingham

Evidence found at the Evidence found at the scene scene

Evidence in OJ’S trial Evidence in OJ’S trial Matching gloves Matching gloves Hair Hair

Ronald Goldman’s shirthttp://www.wagnerandson.com/images/shirts.jpg

Continued…….Continued…….

Blood stained socksBlood stained socks Blood in ford bronco & Blood in ford bronco &

back gate back gate Carpet cotton fibers on Carpet cotton fibers on

the knit cap & gloves.the knit cap & gloves.

Blood evidence Blood evidence

Simpson’s foyer Simpson’s foyer Paper Paper SidewalkSidewalk Fence Fence

Physical evidence continued…Physical evidence continued…

Trail of bloody shoe Trail of bloody shoe printsprints

. . William Bodziak, testified that William Bodziak, testified that the murder scene shoe prints were left the murder scene shoe prints were left by size 12 Bruno Magli casual shoes.by size 12 Bruno Magli casual shoes.

* * Shoe comparisionShoe comparision

Evidence cont..Evidence cont.. Blood on the stepsBlood on the steps

Blood was found in front of Blood was found in front of her body and behind it on the her body and behind it on the first step.first step.

Her body was positioned in Her body was positioned in another way as if she was another way as if she was killed somewhere else.killed somewhere else.

They performed a splatter They performed a splatter testtest Concluded that her throat was Concluded that her throat was

slashed over the step and a slashed over the step and a pint of blood came out in 5 pint of blood came out in 5 seconds.seconds.

AAutopsy of the victims utopsy of the victims • death from multiple sharp force

injuries • single edged knife

• Nicole’s dead body . 7 stab wound . Neck . scalp . Incisions . ring finger of her right hand . Bruises . Right partial

• Ronald Goldman’s dead body . stab wound . Chest . Abdomen

. Left thigh . Incisions . Scalp . face . neck . left hand

EEvidencevidence

Ross Cutlery provided store receipts Ross Cutlery provided store receipts indicating that Simpson had indicating that Simpson had purchased a 12 inch stiletto knife six purchased a 12 inch stiletto knife six weeks before the murders. weeks before the murders.

Officers found arrest records Officers found arrest records indicating that Simpson was charged indicating that Simpson was charged with the beating of his wife Nicole. with the beating of his wife Nicole. Simpson was sentenced with 3 years Simpson was sentenced with 3 years of community service for this crime.of community service for this crime.

Blood evidenceBlood evidence

Chain of custodyChain of custody Must be frozen within 48 Must be frozen within 48

hourshours Benzidine color test & Benzidine color test &

kastle meyer test- determine kastle meyer test- determine blood based on haemoglobinblood based on haemoglobin

Microcrystalline Microcrystalline test(test(Teichmann and Teichmann and Takayama)Takayama)

Percipitin test Percipitin test RFLP or PCRRFLP or PCR

The precipitin test

RFLP

RFLP testing RFLP testing

PCR results PCR results 1.1. the blood left on the glove found in the the blood left on the glove found in the

back yard at O.J. Simpson's estate matched back yard at O.J. Simpson's estate matched that of Goldman and Nicole Simpson.that of Goldman and Nicole Simpson.

2.2. blood and stains found near the bodies blood and stains found near the bodies showed genetic match with the OJ showed genetic match with the OJ SIMPSON.SIMPSON.

3.3. small blood stains on a sock in O.J. small blood stains on a sock in O.J. Simpson's bedroom had the same genetic Simpson's bedroom had the same genetic blueprints as Nicole Brown Simpson.blueprints as Nicole Brown Simpson.

4.4. blood drop lifted from O.J. Simpson's blood drop lifted from O.J. Simpson's foyer contained DNA with the same foyer contained DNA with the same distinctive series of genetic markers as distinctive series of genetic markers as Simpson's blood.Simpson's blood.

5.5. O.J. Simpson's DNA banding pattern O.J. Simpson's DNA banding pattern appeared to match DNA from a blood drop appeared to match DNA from a blood drop from the Bundy Drive walkway leading to from the Bundy Drive walkway leading to the rear of the residence, as well as a blood the rear of the residence, as well as a blood drop from driveway of Nicole Simpson's drop from driveway of Nicole Simpson's home.home.

6.6. And PCR tests also indicated that the nail And PCR tests also indicated that the nail scrapings and clippings from Nicole scrapings and clippings from Nicole Simpson's body appeared to be her own. Simpson's body appeared to be her own.

7.7. DNA tests matched blood collection from DNA tests matched blood collection from the white Bronco, sock, glove, O.J.’s the white Bronco, sock, glove, O.J.’s driveway, and O.J.’s home with OJ driveway, and O.J.’s home with OJ SimpsonSimpson..

Other analysis Other analysis

SEM can typically determine the SEM can typically determine the species, race, and somatic origin of a species, race, and somatic origin of a hair.hair.

Use of comparative microscope to Use of comparative microscope to link suspect to the crime scene.link suspect to the crime scene.

You can also use SEM for analyze You can also use SEM for analyze fiber structure.fiber structure.

Fourier transform infrared Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for fiber analysisspectroscopy for fiber analysis

Scanning Electron Microscope

The TrailThe Trail

The LawyerThe Lawyer O.J. Simpson hired high-O.J. Simpson hired high-

profile defense team led by profile defense team led by Jonnie CochranJonnie Cochran

He led the jury to He led the jury to reasonable doubt on reasonable doubt on creating doubt about the creating doubt about the DNA evidenceDNA evidence

Cochran suggested police Cochran suggested police bias and misconduct, and bias and misconduct, and suggested mishandling of suggested mishandling of evidenceevidence

““If the glove doesn’t fit you If the glove doesn’t fit you must acquit”must acquit”

Evidence submitted to court:Evidence submitted to court:Crime scene bloodCrime scene blood

Blood drops were found alongside bloody shoe prints Blood drops were found alongside bloody shoe prints leading away crime sceneleading away crime scene

blood was found on a gate at the back of the murder blood was found on a gate at the back of the murder scene condominiumscene condominium

Both sample of blood contained O.J Simpson's Both sample of blood contained O.J Simpson's genetic markers.genetic markers.

Simpson had a cut on his left middle finger when Simpson had a cut on his left middle finger when interviewed by police the day after the killingsinterviewed by police the day after the killings

Arguments to Crime Scene BloodArguments to Crime Scene Blood

Arguments by the defenseArguments by the defense alleged samples were sloppily collected and poorly handled, alleged samples were sloppily collected and poorly handled,

rendering DNA results unreliablerendering DNA results unreliable raised possibility that blood was planted by someone who raised possibility that blood was planted by someone who

took it from a police crime lab vial that contained Simpson's took it from a police crime lab vial that contained Simpson's blood and a blood preservative; most compelling evidence was blood and a blood preservative; most compelling evidence was bloodstains on paper wrapping that was supposed to be bloodstains on paper wrapping that was supposed to be holding dry blood samplesholding dry blood samples

wound on Simpson's left hand was only a minor one he wound on Simpson's left hand was only a minor one he suffered in his house - not enough to drip as much blood as suffered in his house - not enough to drip as much blood as prosecutors found - and that Simpson re-injured the finger prosecutors found - and that Simpson re-injured the finger when he cut it on a glass in a Chicago hotel room the morning when he cut it on a glass in a Chicago hotel room the morning after killings, before police interviewed him.after killings, before police interviewed him.

Arguments to Crime Scene BloodArguments to Crime Scene Blood

Prosecution ArgumentsProsecution Arguments Place Simpson at the crime scenePlace Simpson at the crime scene He dripped blood after committing the crimesHe dripped blood after committing the crimes Scientific testing and controls discarded any Scientific testing and controls discarded any

possibility of contamination or tamperingpossibility of contamination or tampering

Evidence Submitted to Court:Evidence Submitted to Court:Bloody Shoe PrintsBloody Shoe Prints

o Matched a size 12 Bruno Magli, a rare Italian Matched a size 12 Bruno Magli, a rare Italian made shoemade shoe

Arguments to Bloody Shoe PrintsArguments to Bloody Shoe Prints

Arguments by the DefenseArguments by the Defense No Murder shoes were ever recoveredNo Murder shoes were ever recovered Thousands of shoes of that kind were soldThousands of shoes of that kind were sold No evidence to show that Simpson ever owned No evidence to show that Simpson ever owned

a paira pair Introduced fact that imprints were found that Introduced fact that imprints were found that

didn’t match the Bruno Magli shoes didn’t match the Bruno Magli shoes

Arguments to Bloody Shoe PrintsArguments to Bloody Shoe Prints

Prosecution ArgumentsProsecution Arguments Tried to imply Simpson could have owned Tried to imply Simpson could have owned

such pair of shoes as they were sold at such pair of shoes as they were sold at Bloomingdales in New York were Simpson Bloomingdales in New York were Simpson frequently shoppedfrequently shopped

Simpson wears a 12Simpson wears a 12

Evidence Submitted to Court:Evidence Submitted to Court:Crime Scene Hairs and FibersCrime Scene Hairs and Fibers

Hairs found in a dark knit cap were similar to Hairs found in a dark knit cap were similar to Simpson's hairsSimpson's hairs

Fibers on a cap were similar to those in the Fibers on a cap were similar to those in the carpeting of Simpson's Ford Broncocarpeting of Simpson's Ford Bronco

Dark blue cotton fibers were found on Dark blue cotton fibers were found on Goldman.Goldman.

Arguments to Hair and FibersArguments to Hair and Fibers

Arguments by the DefenseArguments by the Defense Hairs mean that assailant was black – 10% of LA Hairs mean that assailant was black – 10% of LA

populationpopulation Hair appeared to be dandruff free – Simpson’s hair Hair appeared to be dandruff free – Simpson’s hair

contained dandruffcontained dandruff Dark blue sweat suit was never foundDark blue sweat suit was never found Fiber evidence could have been cast around scene Fiber evidence could have been cast around scene

when an officer unrolled blanket from inside house to when an officer unrolled blanket from inside house to cover Nicole’s bodycover Nicole’s body

Arguments to Hair and FibersArguments to Hair and Fibers

Prosecution ArgumentsProsecution Arguments Witness stated he saw Simpson night of the Witness stated he saw Simpson night of the

murders wearing a dark blue suitmurders wearing a dark blue suit Evidence places Simpson at crime sceneEvidence places Simpson at crime scene

Evidence Submitted to Court:Evidence Submitted to Court:Bloody GlovesBloody Gloves

One dark, cashmere-lined Aris Light leather glove, One dark, cashmere-lined Aris Light leather glove, size extra large, was found at the murder scene size extra large, was found at the murder scene

The Other was found behind Simpson's guest houseThe Other was found behind Simpson's guest house DNA tests showed blood on glove found on DNA tests showed blood on glove found on

Simpson's property appeared to contain genetic Simpson's property appeared to contain genetic markers of Simpson and both victimsmarkers of Simpson and both victims

a long strand of blond hair similar to Ms. Simpson's a long strand of blond hair similar to Ms. Simpson's also was found on that glove.also was found on that glove.

Arguments to Bloody GloveArguments to Bloody Glove

Arguments by the DefenseArguments by the Defense Glove found behind guest house was planted Glove found behind guest house was planted

by racist cop - Detective Mark Fuhrmanby racist cop - Detective Mark Fuhrman Blood on glove was plantedBlood on glove was planted Hair analysis isn’t sophisticatedHair analysis isn’t sophisticated Glove didn’t fitGlove didn’t fit

Arguments to Bloody GloveArguments to Bloody Glove

Prosecution ArgumentsProsecution Arguments Simpson lost left glove in struggleSimpson lost left glove in struggle Accidentally dropped other glove while trying Accidentally dropped other glove while trying

to hide itto hide it Glove didn’t fit b/c it shrunk due to being Glove didn’t fit b/c it shrunk due to being

soaked in bloodsoaked in blood Also was wearing rubber gloves underneathAlso was wearing rubber gloves underneath

Evidence Submitted to Court:Evidence Submitted to Court:Bloody SocksBloody Socks

One pair of Dark socks found crumpled at foot One pair of Dark socks found crumpled at foot of Simpson’s Bedof Simpson’s Bed

DNA test showed Genetic Markers found DNA test showed Genetic Markers found belonging to both Simpson and Ex-Wife.belonging to both Simpson and Ex-Wife.

Arguments to Bloody SocksArguments to Bloody Socks

Argument by the DefenseArgument by the Defense Socks were planted in Simpson’s houseSocks were planted in Simpson’s house Blood was later added to socks in the labBlood was later added to socks in the lab Most compelling evidence of tampering is that Most compelling evidence of tampering is that

blood had soaked all the way through one sock blood had soaked all the way through one sock - shouldn't have happened if a foot was in it.- shouldn't have happened if a foot was in it.

Arguments to Bloody SocksArguments to Bloody Socks

Prosecution ArgumentsProsecution Arguments Sock directly linked Simpson to one of the Sock directly linked Simpson to one of the

victim’svictim’s

Evidence Submitted to Court:Evidence Submitted to Court:Bloody BroncoBloody Bronco

Small spot of blood found near outside driver's Small spot of blood found near outside driver's door handle door handle

More blood found smeared inside on console, More blood found smeared inside on console, door, steering wheel and carpetingdoor, steering wheel and carpeting

DNA tests showed some of the blood DNA tests showed some of the blood apparently a mixture with genetic markers of apparently a mixture with genetic markers of Simpson and the victims.Simpson and the victims.

Arguments to Bloody BroncoArguments to Bloody Bronco

Arguments by the DefenseArguments by the Defense Challenged DNA results – particularly the Challenged DNA results – particularly the

match to Goldmanmatch to Goldman Genetic material of unknown person found on Genetic material of unknown person found on

steering wheelsteering wheel Police planted some of the bloodPolice planted some of the blood Bronco entered twice by unauthorized people Bronco entered twice by unauthorized people

while it sat in impoundwhile it sat in impound

Arguments to Bloody BroncoArguments to Bloody Bronco

Prosecution ArgumentsProsecution Arguments Simpson drove vehicle to and from crime Simpson drove vehicle to and from crime

scenescene

Trial cont….Trial cont…. Juries didn’t understand the significance of Juries didn’t understand the significance of

the evidence. the evidence.

Even though incontrovertible DNA Even though incontrovertible DNA evidence indicated that Simpson was evidence indicated that Simpson was present at the crime scene and that present at the crime scene and that blood from Nicole and Goldman were blood from Nicole and Goldman were left on Simpson’s clothes, the jury left on Simpson’s clothes, the jury dismisses this evidence. The fact that dismisses this evidence. The fact that DNA analysis identifies the different DNA analysis identifies the different blood types with such accuracy that blood types with such accuracy that you could exclude every other human you could exclude every other human being on the face of the earth, seems being on the face of the earth, seems to have been ignored by the jury. to have been ignored by the jury. Later interviews with jury members Later interviews with jury members revealed that they indeed did not truly revealed that they indeed did not truly understand how accurate DNA understand how accurate DNA analysis was and that the blood analysis was and that the blood evidence was not that importantevidence was not that important.  .  

Refrences Refrences http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/663943/http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/663943/

trace_evidence_in_the_oj_simpson_case.htmltrace_evidence_in_the_oj_simpson_case.html altered dimensions/OJ SIMPSONaltered dimensions/OJ SIMPSON http://www.cnn.com/US/OJ/evidence/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/US/OJ/evidence/index.html http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/Simpson/Evidence.htmlhttp://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/Simpson/Evidence.html http://www.usatoday.com/news/index/nns25.htmhttp://www.usatoday.com/news/index/nns25.htm http://www.cnn.com/US/OJ/evidence/physical/pros.exhibits.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/US/OJ/evidence/physical/pros.exhibits.html