The Shocking Case Of O.J. Simpson

Summary

This BuzzFeed Unsolved episode revisits the infamous O.J. Simpson case, exploring the 1994 murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. The script details the night of the crime, the evidence, and the subsequent trial that led to Simpson's acquittal despite damning DNA evidence. It also delves into alternate theories and suspects, leaving the case open-ended and unsolved.

Takeaways

• 🕵️‍♂️ The O.J. Simpson case is a high-profile murder mystery focusing on the deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald L. Goldman.
• 🏆 O.J. Simpson, a former NFL star known as 'The Juice', was the top suspect and ex-husband of Nicole Brown Simpson.
• 🗓️ The murders occurred on June 13, 1994, outside Nicole's Brentwood townhouse, with the victims found stabbed to death.
• 🐶 Nicole's dog led neighbors to the crime scene, suggesting its incessant barking was a cry for help during the murders.
• 🕒 A detailed timeline of events was established, including the last sightings of the victims and O.J.'s movements that night.
• 🧬 DNA evidence, including bloodstains on a glove, matched O.J., Nicole, and Goldman, implicating O.J. in the crime.
• 🧤 The infamous bloody glove found at O.J.'s estate did not fit him at trial, leading to the phrase 'If it doesn't fit, you must acquit'.
• 🏃‍♂️ O.J. became a fugitive and was involved in a low-speed police chase before eventually surrendering.
• 📖 O.J. wrote a hypothetical book about the murders, 'If I Did It', which was controversial and later published with profits going to the Goldman family.
• ⚖️ Despite strong evidence, O.J. was acquitted in criminal court due to doubts about evidence handling, but later lost a civil case, resulting in a $33.5 million award to the victims' families.

Q & A

What were Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald L. Goldman's relationship to O.J. Simpson?

Nicole Brown Simpson was O.J. Simpson's ex-wife, and Ronald L. Goldman was a friend of hers. O.J. Simpson was the top suspect in their murders.

What was the significance of the name 'The Juice' in relation to O.J. Simpson?

The name 'The Juice' was a nickname for O.J. Simpson, reflecting his fame as a Hall of Fame running back in the National Football League.

Where were Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald L. Goldman found on the morning of June 13th, 1994?

Their bodies were found outside Nicole's Brentwood townhouse, stabbed to death.

How did the discovery of the bodies occur?

The bodies were discovered by two neighbors who were led to the crime scene by Nicole's dog, which was incessantly barking around the time of the murders.

What was the timeline of events on June 12th, 1994 leading up to the murders?

Nicole and others had dinner at Mezzaluna restaurant, Ronald Goldman went to pick up glasses for Nicole's mother, O.J. and Kato went to McDonald's for dinner, and Goldman left Mezzaluna with an envelope containing glasses.

What were the suspicious activities reported by Kato, O.J. Simpson's guest, on the night of the murders?

Kato heard three loud thumps on an outside wall of the guesthouse he was staying in, and later saw a shadowy figure walking across the driveway towards the house.

What was O.J. Simpson's initial response when informed of Nicole's death?

O.J. Simpson's first response was 'who killed her,' which was noted as unusual as he did not inquire about the manner of her death or express shock or sadness.

What was the outcome of O.J. Simpson's trial for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald L. Goldman?

Despite the DNA evidence, O.J. Simpson was found not guilty in the criminal trial due to doubts raised over the handling of the evidence by the forensic team.

What was the 'If I Did It' book controversy about?

In 2006, O.J. Simpson published a book titled 'If I Did It,' a hypothetical account of the murders, which was controversial and initially canceled due to public outrage.

What were the key pieces of evidence found at O.J. Simpson's estate that linked him to the crime scene?

A blood-stained glove matching one found at the crime scene, a knitted hat with O.J.'s hairs, and Nicole's blood on a sock at his residence were some of the key pieces of evidence.

Who were some of the alternate suspects proposed in the case?

Alternate suspects included serial killer Glen Rogers and Jason Simpson, O.J.'s son, though these theories are not widely accepted and have been largely discredited.

What was the final outcome of the civil case against O.J. Simpson for the wrongful deaths?

O.J. Simpson lost the civil case and was ordered to pay $33.5 million in punitive damages to the families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald L. Goldman.