OJSimpson Case Study

CJ211:
Criminal Investigation OJ Simpson Case Case Study: Physical Evidence
INTRODUCTION:
On Sunday, June 12, 1994, just before 11:00PM Steven Schwab was walking his dog in the Brentwood section of
northwest Los Angeles when he was confronted by an excited and agitated dog, an Akita. As the dog followed Steven
home, he noticed what appeared to be blood on the dog’s paws and belly. When Steven arrived home, the dog still
behaved in an unusual manner. Steven alerted his neighbor, Sukru Boztepe, and asked if he could keep the dog until the
morning when Steven would search for the dog’s owner. Boztepe initially agreed but then decided to take the dog for a
walk and see if he could find its owner. He proceeded to follow the dog and it took him to the front walkway of 875
South Bundy Drive. As Boztepe looked up the dark walkway, he saw what appeared to be a lifeless human body
surrounded by a massive amount of blood.

At 12:13AM the first police officers arrived at the scene. Officers found the body of a woman clad in a short black dress.
She was barefoot and lying face down with wounds to her throat and neck area. Next to her was the body of a man. He
was lying on his side and his clothes were also saturated with blood. The woman was quickly identified by the police as
the owner of the house, Nicole Brown Simpson, thirty-‐five years old and the ex-‐wife of pro football player and
sportscaster O.J. Simpson. The dead body of the man next to her was identified through identification in his wallet, still
in his back pocket, as Ronald Goldman, age twenty-‐five, a waiter at a restaurant Nicole and her family had visited earlier
in the evening. Police also discovered the 2 children of Nicole and Simpson, ages 9 and 6, asleep in their beds in the
house.

At 2:10AM Detective Supervisor Phillips and Detectives Fuhrman and Roberts had arrived at the scene. Shortly
thereafter, Phillips was notified that Detectives Tom Lange and Phil Vannatter from the Homicide Special Section of the
LAPD’s Robbery Homicide Division were assigned as the lead investigators in this case; these detectives were on the
scene by 4:30AM.

In examining the area in which the bodies lay, the detectives noticed several items: a set of keys (determined to belong
to Goldman), a dark blue knit cap (believed to be the perpetrator’s), a beeper (Goldman’s), a blood-‐splattered white
envelope that contained the eyeglasses of Nicole’s mother, who left them at the restaurant earlier that night; Goldman
was at Nicole’s house to return the glasses. There was also a blood-‐soaked left-‐hand leather glove (also believed to be
the perpetrator’s). Leading away from the bodies towards the back of the property were shoe prints transferred to the
concrete surface from blood on the shoes. Alongside the shoe print trail were drops of blood. The shoe prints and the
blood drops appeared to be from the perpetrator.

Detectives decided to try to make contact with Simpson to notify him of the murder of his ex-‐wife and to arrange for
him to collect his children, who were still at the house. It was a five minute drive from the South Bundy address to
Simpson’s estate on Rockingham Avenue. It was now about 5:00AM. Once at Simpson’s property, detectives observed a
white Ford Bronco, front wheels on the curb, with the back of the vehicle sticking out into the street. It was determined
to be a vehicle that belonged to Simpson.
CJ211: Criminal Investigation OJ Simpson Case Case Study: Physical Evidence

On closer examination of the vehicle, Detective Fuhrman noticed what appeared to be a spot of blood inside the vehicle
near the door handle. Detectives called the phone number to the house to gain entry over the 5-‐ft. high stone wall that
surrounded the property, but no one responded. With no response, Fuhrman climbed the wall and let the other
detectives in by unlatching the lock of the gate. (According to detectives, this action was taken because of the belief that
someone in the house may have been bleeding and in grave danger; however, defense attorneys later argued that this
action constituted an illegal search and seizure and hence, any evidence collected as a result of the search should be
excluded from the trial.)

The detectives knocked on the front door of the main house, but there was no answer. They proceeded to the small
guest houses located on the property. After they knocked on the door of the first house, a man by the name of Kato
Kaelin, a friend and house guest of Simpson’s, answered the door. At the next house, they found Arnelle Simpson,
Simpson’s daughter. Fuhrman stayed with Kaelin while the other detectives accompanied Arnelle to the main house to
confirm that no one else was home or in any sort of danger. The detectives returned to Kaelin and interviewed him. He
told the detectives that before Simpson caught a late flight to Chicago the previous night, he went with him to a
McDonald’s, and then returned home. Kaelin said that when they returned Simpson went into the house and he, Kaelin,
went to his bungalow. At about 10:45PM, Kaelin heard several loud banging noises outside near the bungalow’s air
conditioning unit. He said he thought it was an earthquake. He then went outside to investigate and saw a limousine
parked at the gate to take Simpson to the airport. A few minutes later, according to Kaelin, Simpson was off to the
airport in the limousine.
While talking to Arnelle, police were able to determine that Simpson was staying at the Chicago O’Hare Plaza Hotel.
While Fuhrman checked the area around the air conditioning unit, Detective Phillips called Simpson in Chicago and
notified him of the homicide. According to Phillips, Simpson appeared very concerned about what Phillips told him, but
Simpson never asked for any details about what happened, nor did he even ask which ex-‐wife had been killed. (Simpson
had 2 ex-‐wives.) Simpson told Phillips that he would return to Los Angeles on the next available flight.

Shortly after this phone call, Detective Fuhrman returned to the house and told Vannatter of his discovery along the side
of the house near the air-‐conditioning unit in the back of the bungalow occupied by Kaelin. There, lying on the ground
among some leaves, was a blood-‐stained leather glove. (The defense later argued that not only was this “search”
conducted without a warrant, but the glove was “planted” there by Fuhrman, a racist cop. Their claim was that both
gloves were found at the crime scene, and Fuhrman took one of them with him to Simpson’s.) It appeared to be the
right-‐hand match of the one found at the crime scene on Bundy. All of the detectives except for Vannatter then left to
notify investigators at the Bundy address of another possible crime scene, or an extension of the Bundy crime scene. Still
at Rockingham, Vannatter discovered what appeared to be blood drops in the driveway. They led to the Ford Bronco.
Inside the Bronco, he saw other red spots on the driver’s side door and on the console between the 2 front seats. He
discovered more blood leading to the front door of the main house. (The defense later argued that this blood was also
planted and that it actually came from the sample that was drawn from Simpson at the police department after the
initial interrogation by Vannatter and Lang. Interestingly, the nurse who drew the blood from Simpson testified he drew
8 ccs of blood. The LAPD could only account for 6.5ccs.) All this evidence was later photographed, the glove was seized,
the Bronco was impounded, and the entire area was secured. Fuhrman returned to the Rockingham scene to supervise,
and Vannatter proceeded back to Bundy, and then, with his partner, went to the West Los Angeles Police Station to
prepare a warrant to search Simpson’s house and vehicle.

With search warrant in hand, the detectives returned to the Rockingham property. While they were conducting their
search of the premises, Simpson arrived home. Simpson and his attorneys agreed that it would be OK for Simpson to talk
with Detectives Lang and Vannatter about what he knew about these crimes and to do so without his attorneys present.
At 1:35PM, June 13th, the “interrogation” of Simpson by Detectives Lang and Vannatter began. After the interrogation
was over, Simpson was fingerprinted, wounds on his left hand were photographed, and a sample of his blood was
drawn.

The vial of blood was labeled and was placed in an evidence envelope. Vannatter then took the sealed envelope back to
Simpson’s home and gave it to Dennis Fung, the criminalist who was responsible for collecting and recording the
evidence at the Bundy and Rockingham scenes. To maintain chain of custody, Fung checked the contents of the
envelope and, according to procedure, wrote on the outside, “Received from Vannatter on 06/13/94 at 1720 hours.” IT
was then placed in the LAPD’s crime scene truck. This whole sequence of events was done in full view of the numerous
media film crews who were at the scene. (As far as the defense was concerned, this showed that Simpson’s blood was
taken back to the scene where his blood was said to have been discovered by the police.)

Meanwhile, back at Rockingham, the search of Simpson’s residence revealed additional evidence of interest including
blood-‐stained black socks and additional blood drops inside the house (more planted evidence according to the
defense). In all, 41 items of evidence were collected from Simpson’s Bronco, his house, and the Bundy crime scene.
Through scientific analysis, numerous links could be drawn from this evidence. Specifically, evidence recovered from the
glove found at the Bundy crime scene consisted of:
• 1 hair from Nicole
• Fibers consistent with Goldman’s shirt
• Fibers consistent with Goldman’s jeans
• Dog hair from the Akita

By itself, this single glove was not that useful. One would suppose from the discovery of the glove that the murderer
wore gloves while committing the homicides. On the glove found at Simpson’s Rockingham estate were:
• Several hairs from Nicole
• Several pulled hairs from Goldman
• Fibers consistent with Goldman’s shirt
• Dog hair from the Akita
• One fiber from the Bronco’s carpet
• Several black-‐blue cotton fibers consistent with fibers found on Goldman’s shirt

Given the blood and fibers found on the glove, the fact that it was found on Simpson’s property, and the identical
matching glove was found at the crime scene, the glove linked all the key individuals and places together: Simpson,
Nicole, Goldman, and the crime scene. As such, this glove was an extremely valuable piece of evidence. On the socks
found in Simpson’s bedroom at Rockingham were:
• Blue-‐black cotton fibers
• Blood from Simpson and Nicole

If the socks were Simpson’s (a reasonable conclusion, as they were found in his bedroom), and if the blood was not
planted on them, the socks served as corroborative evidence that, at the least, Simpson was near Nicole when she was
bleeding. Found on Goldman’s shirt were:
• One hair consistent with Simpson’s
• 25 hairs from Nicole
• Several hairs from the Akita
• 4 torn fibers from Nicole’s dress
• Several fibers from the knit cap
• 1 fiber consistent with the lining of both gloves
• Many blue-‐black fibers

This evidence associated Goldman with Simpson, Nicole, the gloves and the cap of the perpetrator, and probably the
clothes of the perpetrator (blue-‐black fibers). On Ron Goldman’s pants were:
• Several hairs consistent with Nicole’s

This hair linked Nicole with Goldman, and Goldman with the dog. This was relatively insignificant evidence in
establishing who was responsible for the homicides, but was useful for other purposes, such as reconstructing the crime.
On the blue knit cap found at the Bundy crime scene were:
• 12 hairs matching Simpson’s, not pulled or torn
• Several fibers consistent with Goldman’s shirt
• 1 fiber consistent with the lining of both gloves
• 1 fiber consistent with the Bronco’s carpet

Once again, this evidence provided additional strength to the conclusion that Simpson was at the crime scene and was
wearing, at least temporarily, the cap. There was even more physical evidence. Among the blood evidence found at the
Bundy crime scene were:
• Blood drops near the victims that matched Simpson’s
• 4 blood drops on the walkway that matched Simpson’s
• 2 shoe prints of Size 12 Bruno Magli shoes in blood that matched Nicole’s
• Blood stains from Goldman’s boot matched Goldman’s and Nicole’s

Through DNA analysis, the blood found at the crime scene that was not Nicole’s or Goldman’s was confirmed to be
Simpson’s. This evidence positively linked Simpson to the scene of the crime (plus his unexplained cut to his hand). In
order for Goldman’s boot to leave a print in Nicole’s blood, she had to be bleeding first, then Goldman. The Bruno Magli
shoe prints were probably left by the perpetrator. (In the trial, the prosecution introduced a photograph of Simpson
reporting from the sidelines of an NFL game wearing the shoes in question, but the defense argued the photo was a
fraud.)

Among the blood evidence found in and on the Bronco were:
• Blood matching Simpson’s found on the driver’s door interior and on the instrument panel
• Blood on the center console that matched Simpson’s
• Blood on the steering wheel that matched Simpson’s and Nicole’s
• Blood on the center console that matched Simpson’s and Goldman’s
• Blood on the drivers’ side wall that matched Simpson’s
• Blood on the carpet that matched Nicole’s
• Blood on the center console that matched Simpson’s, Nicole’s , and Goldman’s

More evidence linked Simpson with the dead victims and the crime scene:
• Blood on the glove found at Rockingham matched Goldman’s
• Of the 4 blood samples on a sock in Simpson’s bedroom, 2 matched Nicole’s, 2 matched Goldman’s
• Blood drops in the foyer and in the driveway that matched Simpson’s

More blood linked Simpson to the homicides. In addition to the physical evidence, there were the interesting facts that
Simpson had 7 abrasions and 3 cuts to his left hand (and that the left hand glove was found at the crime scene) and
Simpson did not have a reasonable explanation for these injuries or his whereabouts during the time the homicides
occurred. On Friday, June 17, 1994, an arrest warrant for OJ Simpson was prepared. Simpson’s new attorney, Robert
Shapiro, was instructed by police to accompany Simpson to police headquarters. He was to surrender at 11:00AM.
Simpson was nowhere to be found. Police later discovered that he was with his friend Al Cowling driving around Orange
County, near Los Angeles, in Simpson’s Bronco. The police followed them and the convoy became the now infamous
slow-‐speed chase. It ended hours later at Simpson’s residence at Rockingham. Simpson was arrested and taken into
custody for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. The investigation that led to his arrest is only the
first part of the story. The jury trial began January 23, 1995 and the case took many twists and turns until Simpson was
found not guilty on October 2, 1995. The jury deliberated for less than 5 hours.

(Brandl, 2004).
AUTOPSY REPORT
94-‐05136
I performed an autopsy on the body of BROWN-‐SIMPSON, NICOLE at the DEPARTMENT OF CORONER Los Angeles, California
on June 14, 1994 @0730 HOURS
From the anatomic findings and pertinent history, I ascribe the death to: MULTIPLE SHARP FORCE INJURIES Due To Or As a
Consequence of
Anatomical Summary:
I. Incised wound of neck:
A. Transection of left and right common carotid arteries.
B. Incisions, left and right internal jugular veins
C. Transection of thyrohyoid membrane, epiglottis, and hypopharynx.
D. Incision into cervical spine, C3.
II. Multiple stab wound of neck and scalp (total of seven).
III. Multiple injuries of hands, including incised wound, ring finger of right hand (defense wound).
IV. Scalp bruise, right parietal.
NOTES AND PROCEDURES
1. The body is described in the Standard Anatomical Position. Reference is to this position only.
2. Where necessary, injuries are numbered for reference. This is arbitrary and does not correspond to any order in which they
may have been incurred. All the injuries are antemortem, unless otherwise specified.
3. The term "anatomic" is used as a specification to indicate correspondence with the description as set forth in the textbooks
of Gross Anatomy. It denotes freedom from significant, visible or morbid alteration.
EXTERNAL EXAMINATION:
The body is that of a well-‐developed, well-‐nourished Caucasian female stated to be 35 years old. The body weighs 129 pounds
and measures 65 inches from crown to sole. The hair on the scalp is brown. The irides are brown with the pupils fixed and
dilated. The sclerae and conjunctive are unremarkable, without evidence of petechial hemorrhages on either. Both upper and
lower teeth are natural, without evidence of injury to the cheeks, lips or gums.
There are no tattoos, deformities or amputations. Two linear surgical scars are found beneath each breast, transversely
oriented and measuring 2 inches in length.
Rigor mortis is fixed at the time of autopsy examination (please see form 1).
The body appears to the examiner as stated above. Identification is by toe-‐tag and the autopsy is not material to identification.
The body is not embalmed.
The head is normocephalic and there is external evidence of antemortem injury to be described below. Otherwise, the external
auditory canals, eyes, nose and mouth are not remarkable. The neck shows sharp force injury to be described below, and the
larynx is visible through the gaping wound.
No recent traumatic injuries are noted on the chest or abdomen; tan lines are seen on the lower abdomen (bathing suit). The
genitalia are that of adult female with no gross evidence of injuries. Examination of the posterior surface at the trunk shows
some excoriations compatible with postmortem injuries on the upper back, right side, on the medial aspect of the right scapula
and on the lateral aspect of the right scapula (compatible with ant to insect bites). An abrasion above the left scapula measures
3/4 x 1/2 inch and is red-‐brown in color and appears antemortem. Otherwise, the lower back and remainder of the posterior
aspect of the body shows no evidence or recent injuries.
Refer to available photographs and diagrams and the specific documentation of the autopsy protocol.
CLOTHING:
The decedent was wearing a short black dress, blood stained. Also, she was wearing a pair of black panties To the unaided eye
examination there was no evidence of cut or tear.
EVIDENCE OF INJURY:
DESCRIPTION OF INCISED WOUND OF NECK:
The incised wound of the neck is gaping and exposes the larynx and cervical vertebral column. It measures 5 1/2 x 2 1/2
inches in length and is found at the level of the superior border of the larynx.
After approximation of the edges, it is seen to be diagonally oriented on the right side and transversely oriented from the
midline to the left side. On the right side it is upwardly angulated toward the right earlobe and extends for 4 inches from the
midline. On the left side it is transversely oriented and extends 2 1/2 inches to the anterior border of the left
sternocleidomastoid muscle. The edges of the wound are smooth, with subcutaneous and intramuscular hemorrhage, fresh,
dark red purple, is evident.
On the right side the upwardly angulated wound passes through the skin, the subcutaneous tissue, the platysma, passing under
the ramus of the right mandible and upward as it passes through the strap muscles on the right, towards the digastric muscle
on the right, and through the thyrohyoid membrane and ligament. Further dissection discloses that it passes posteriorly and
transects the distal one-‐third of the epiglottis, the hypo-‐pharynx, and passes into the body of the 3rd cervical vertebra where it
transversely oriented 3/4 inch incised wound is seen in the bone, extending it for a depth of 1/4 inch into the bone. The spinal
canal and cord are not entered.
On the right side superiorly the wound passes towards the insertion of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and then becomes
more superficial and tapers as it terminates in the skin below the right earlobe.
On the left side the wound is transversely oriented and extends for 2 1/2 inches where the wound path intersects the stab
wounds on the left side of the neck to be described below.
Dissection discloses that the right common carotid artery is transected with hemorrhage in the surrounding carotid sheath
and there is a 1/4 incised wound or nick in the right internal jugular vein with surrounding soft tissue hemorrhage.
On the left side the left common carotid artery is transected with hemorrhage in the surrounding carotid sheath and the left
internal jugular vein is subtotally transected with only a thin strand of tissue remaining posteriorly with surrounding soft
tissue hemorrhage. The injuries on the left side of the neck intersect and the pathways of the stab wounds on the left side to be
described below.
There is fresh hemorrhage and bruising noted along the entire incised wound path.
Depth of penetration is not given because the neck can be either flexed or extended, and the length of the wound is greater
than the depth.
Opinion: This is a fatal incised wound or sharp force injury, associated with transection of the left and right carotid arteries
and incisions of the left and right internal jugular veins with exsanguinating hemorrhage.
DESCRIPTION OF MULTIPLE STAB WOUNDS

There are four stab wounds on the left side of the neck over the left sternocledomastoid muscle; they extend to 3 inches below
the external auditory canal.
1. This stab wound overlaps that of the incised wound of the neck described above. The wound measures 5/8 inch in length, is
vertically oriented, and has a squared-‐off end inferiorly approximately 1/32 inch and a pointed end superiorly. The minimal
depth of the penetration, from left to right, is 1 1/2 to 2 inches where it intersects the incised wound. Penetration is through
the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle, and injury to the internal jugular vein or common carotid artery cannot be excluded.
2. Stab wound of left side of neck: This is a 1/8 inch superficial slit-‐like incision into the skin and dermis; no squared-‐off or dull
end is evident.
This is a superficial slit-‐like wound of the skin, non-‐fatal.
3. Stab wound on left side of neck: This is a diagonally oriented stab wound measuring 1/2 inch in length; there is a pointed
end on the posterior aspect and a squared-‐off end anterior less than 1/32 inch in length. The edges are smooth, and dissection
disposes a depth of penetration for 1 1/2 to 2 inches where the stab wound intersects that of the incised wound of the neck;
the stab wounds are approximately 1 inch from the left lateral termination of the incised wound. Fresh hemorrhage is noted
along the wound path which goes through the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle.
Opinion: This stab wound cannot be distinguished from injuries caused by the incised wound of the neck and may have injured
the left common carotid artery and/or the left internal jugular vein.
4. Stab wound of the left side of neck: This is a diagonally oriented stab wound measuring 7/8 inch in length; on the posterior
aspect there is a pointed end and on the anterior aspect a squared -‐off or dull end approximately 1/32 inch in width;
otherwise the edges are smooth. Subsequent dissection discloses the wound path through the skin, subcutaneous tissue and
muscle where it intersects the incised wound of the neck. Depth of penetration is 1 -‐ 1/2 inches.
Opinion: This stab wound may have injured the left common carotid artery and/or the left internal jugular vein as described
above.
5. Stab wound of scalp, left parietal: This diagonally oriented stab wound is located on the left parietal scalp, which is shaved
postmortem for visualization. It measures 1/2 inch in length and no definite squared-‐off or dull end is evident, both ends
appearing to be rounded. Depth of penetration is through the scalp, to the galea, approximately 3/8 -‐ 1/2 inch. There is deep
scalp hemorrhage and a subgaleal bruise, measuring 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches; there is no cutting wound or injury to the skull and
there is no penetration into the cranium.
Opinion: This is a superficial stab wound or cutting wound of the scalp, non-‐fatal.
6. Stab wound or cutting wound of scalp: This is transversely oriented and is found in the right posterior parietal-‐occipital
region. The transversely oriented wound measures 1 1/2 inches in length and has a pointed end to the left and a fork or split
into the right. Depth of penetration is 3/8 -‐ 1 1/2 inches with fresh deep scalp bruising.
Opinion: This is a non-‐fatal, stabbing or cutting wound of the scalp.
7. Stab wound or cutting wound of the scalp, right parietal-‐occipital: This is vertically oriented, measures 3/16 inch in length
and involves the skin only. No squared-‐off or dull end is evident, both ends or aspects being pointed or tapered.
There is a small amount of deep scalp hemorrhage or bruising, no subgaleal hemorrhage.
Opinion: This is a non-‐fatal superficial stabbing or cutting wound of the scalp.
8. Blunt force injury to head: On the right side of the scalp, 4 inches above the right external auditory canal there is a scalp
bruise; this is revealed after postmortem shaving of the scalp. It measures 1 x 1 inches and is red-‐violet or purple in color. The
skin is smooth, non-‐abraded or lacerated. Subsequent autopsy discloses fresh deep scalp hemorrhage and fresh dark red-‐
purple subgaleal hemorrhage or bruising measuring 2 x 1 1/4 inches. Inferiorly the bruise extends to the superficial right
temporal muscle. There is no associated skull fracture.
INJURIES TO HANDS:

Right hand: There is a 5/8 incised wound of the volar surface of the right index finger at the distal knuckle. This 5/8 inch
incised wound is tangentially oriented or cut through the skin and dermis with the avulsed skin inferiorly indicating that the
direction is from distal to proximal.
Further examination discloses that there is a split or forked end on the ulnar aspect and pointed end on the radial aspect.
There is a small amount of dermal hemorrhage.
On the dorsal surface of the right hand, at the base of the ring finger, there is a 1/16 inch punctate abrasion.
Left hand: On the dorsal surface of the left hand, there is a punctate abrasion, red-‐brown in color at the base of the ring finger.
There is a 1/2 inch superficial incised skin cut, 1/2 inch in length, diagonally oriented, on the top of the left hand, midportion.
INTERNAL EXAMINATION
The body is opened with the usual Y-‐shaped thoracoabdominal incision revealing the abdominal wall adipose tissue to
measure 1/4 -‐ 3/8 inch in thickness. The anterior abdominal wall has its normal muscular components and there is no
evidence of abdominal wall injury. Exposure of the body cavities shows the contained organs in their usual anatomic locations
with their usual anatomic relationships. No free fluid or blood is found within the pleural, pericardial, or the peritoneal
cavities. The serosal surfaces are smooth, thin, and glistening and there are no intra-‐abdominal adhesions.
INTERNAL EVIDENCE OF INJURIES:
There are no internal traumatic injuries involving the thorax or thoracic viscera, abdomen or abdominal viscera.
SYSTEMIC AND ORGAN REVIEW:
Autopsy findings, or the lack of them, are considered apart from those already stated. The following observations pertain to
findings other than the injuries and changes that are described above.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM-‐-‐SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE-‐-‐SKIN
Examination of the breasts reveals bilateral silastic implants that are intact. Otherwise, no other significant changes are noted
in the breasts. The remainder of the musculoskeletal system and subcutaneous tissue are anatomic.
HEAD-‐-‐CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
The external injuries to the scalp have been described. A small abrasion, red-‐brown in color, measuring 3/8 x 1/4 inch and
appearing to be antemortem is found lateral-‐posterior to the right eyebrow and this is a non-‐patterned superficial abrasion.
The hemorrhage beneath the scalp, due to the sharp force injuries have been described. There is no hemorrhage deep into the
temporal muscles.
There are no tears of the dura mater and no recent epidural, subdural, or subarachnoid hemorrhage.
The dura is stripped to reveal no fractures of the bones of the calvarium or base of the skull.
The pituitary gland is normally situated in the sella turcica and is not enlarged.
The cranial nerves are enumerated and they are intact, symmetrical and anatomic in size, location and course.
The component vessels of the circle of Willis are identified. They are anatomic in size, course, configuration and distribution.
The blood vessels are intact, free of aneurysms or other anomaly, and non-‐occluded and show no significant atherosclerosis.
Examination of the non-‐formalin fixed, fresh brain shows: The cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum, brainstem, pons and medulla
to show their normal anatomical structures. The cerebellar, the pontine and medullary surfaces present no lesions. Multiple
sections reveal an anatomic appearing cortex, white matter, ventricular system and basal ganglia. There is no evidence of
hemorrhage, cyst or neoplasm involving the brain substance.
The spinal chord, in the vicinity of the cervical incised wound is dissected; there is no evidence or intraspinal hemorrhage and
no evidence of sharp force injury to the spinal chord.
ORGANS OF SPECIAL SENSES:
Not dissected.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM-‐-‐THROAT STRUCTURES
The oral cavity, viewed from below, is anatomic. The teeth are examined and there is no evidence of injury and there is no
evidence of injury to the cheeks, lips, gums, or tongue. No blood is present.
Injuries to the upper airway including the incised wound of the hypopharynx and epiglottis have been described. Otherwise,
the mucosa of the larynx, piriform sinuses, trachea and major bronchi are anatomic. No mucosal lesions are evident and no
blood is present.
The hyoid bone and thyroid cartilages are intact, inasmuch as the incised wound passes through the thyrohyoid membrane
and ligament and both greater cornuas of the thyroid cartilage are intact. Hemorrhage is present in the tissue adjacent to the
neck organs due to the incised would as described above. There is no hemorrhage into the substance of the thyroid gland
which anatomic in size and location. The parathyroid glands are not identified.
Lungs: Right lung weighs 330 grams; left lung 300 grams. The external appearance and that of the sectioned surface of the
lungs show minimal congestion and otherwise no injuries or lesions. No foreign material, infarction, or neoplasm is
encountered. The pulmonary arteries are free of thromboemboli.
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM:
The heart weighs 280 grams, and is anatomic in size and configuration. The chambers, valves and myocardium are anatomic,
and a minimal amount of liquid blood is found within the cardiac chambers. No focal endocardial, valvular, or myocardial
lesions are seen. There are no congenital anomalies.
Multiple transverse sections of the left and right coronary arteries reveal them to be thin-‐walled and patent throughout with
no significant atherosclerosis. The aorta and major branches are anatomic and show only minimal lipid streaking of the intima.
The portal and caval veins and the major branches are anatomic.
Note: The injuries of the common carotid arteries and internal jugular veins have been described above.
GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM:
The mucosa and wall of the esophagus are intact and gray-‐pink and no lesions or injuries are evident.
The gastric mucosa is intact and pink. No mucosal lesions are evident and there are no residuals of medication or blood.
Examination of the gastric contents reveals approximately 500 ml. of chewed semisolid food in the stomach. Recognizable food
particles are identified as follows: pieces of pasta appearing to be rigatoni, fragments of apparent spinach leaves; and the
remainder, chewed, partially digested non-‐recognizable food material.
The mucosa of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon and rectum are intact. The lumen is patent. No mucosal lesions are
evident, and no blood is present. The fecal content is usual in appearance.
HEPATOBILIARY SYSTEM -‐-‐ PANCREAS
The liver weighs 1370 grams. The capsular surface is intact. The subcapsular and the cut surface of the liver are uniformly
brown-‐red in color, and free of nodularity and are usual in appearance. The biliary duct system, including the gallbladder, are
free of anomaly and no lesions are evident. The mucosa is intact and bile stained. The lumen are patent and no calculi are
present.
The pancreas is anatomic both externally and on cut surface.
HEMOLYMPHATIC SYSTEM -‐-‐ ADRENAL GLAND
The spleen weighs 90 grams and has an intact capsule. Cut surface shows the usual dark red-‐purple parenchyma which is firm
and no lesions are evident.
The blood, the bone marrow and the usually-‐named aggregates of lymph nodes do not appear to be significantly altered.
The thymus gland is no identifiable.
The adrenal glands are their usual size and location and cut surface presents no lesions.
URINARY SYSTEM:
Each kidney weights 100 grams. The kidneys are anatomic in size, location and configuration. The capsules are stripped to
show a pale brown surface. On section the cut surface shows no abnormalities of the cortex and medulla.
The calyces, pelves, ureters and urinary bladder are unaltered in appearance. The mucosa is gray-‐pink, no calculi are present
and no blood is present.
The urinary bladder contains a few ml. of clear urine.
GENITAL SYSTEM (female)
The uterus, tubes, and adnexa are anatomic. Cut surface of the uterus shows no lesions and a thin light brown endometrium.
The vagina has its normal mucosal surface and no lesions or injuries are evident.
HISTOLOGY:
Representative portions of the various organs, including the larynx and hyoid, are preserved in 10% formaldehyde and placed
in a single storage container.
TOXICOLOGY:
A sample of cardiac chamber blood and urine are submitted for toxicologic analysis.
SEROLOGY:
A sample of intracardiac blood is submitted in an EDTA tube,
RADIOLOGY:
None.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
In addition to the routine identification photographs, pertinent photographs are taken of the external injury.
WITNESSES:
Detective Van Natter and Lange, Los Angeles Police Department, Robbery-‐Homicide, were present during the autopsy.
DIAGRAMS USED:
Forms 16, 20, 20D, 20F, 20G, 20H, 22, 23, 24 and 29 were utilized during the performance of the autopsy.
OPINION:
Death is attributed to multiple sharp force injuries, including a deep incised wound of the neck and multiple stab wounds of
the neck. The sharp force injuries led to transection of the left and right common carotid arteries, and incisions of the left and
right internal jugular vein causing fatal exsanguinating hemorrhage. The sharp force injury to the scalp were superficial, non-‐
fatal.
Injuries present on the hands, including the incised wound of the right hand are compatible so-‐called defense wounds. Routine
toxicologic studies were ordered.
/s/ Irwin L. Golden M.D. IRWIN L. GOLDEN DEPUTY MEDICAL EXAMINER
June 16, 1994 Date

INTERVIEW/INTERROGATION
The following are excerpts from the interrogation of OJ Simpson by Los Angeles Police Department Detectives Tom
Lange and Philip Vannatter during the early afternoon of June 13, 1994. Simpson’s ex-‐wife Nicole Brown Simpson and
Ronald Goldman were murdered outside Nicole’s home at approximately 10:30pm on June 12, 1994. The initial
investigation suggested that Simpson could have been the perpetrator (e.g., blood drops found on Simpson’s Bronco
and at his house, and a bloody glove that was found at the crime scene matched the one found in Simpson’s property).
Detectives Lange and Vannatter spent 32 minutes questioning Simpson about his possible role in the double homicide.
This transcript provides a good example of a poorly conducted interrogation, and is illustrative for that purpose. This
transcript is edited for length-‐it begins after Simpson has been read his Miranda warning and he agrees to waive them.
The asterisks indicate a break in the sequence of questions.

Vannatter: Okay. All right, what we’re gonna do is, we want to…We’re investigating, obviously, the death of your ex-‐wife
and another man.

Lange: Somebody told us that.

**** Questions about Simpson and his relationship with Nicole Brown Simpson, their divorce, and their attempts at
reconciliation.

**** Questions about a previous domestic violence incident between Simpson and Nicole.

**** Questions about Nicole’s maid, who lived at her house.

Lange: Phil, what do you think? Maybe we can just recount last night…

Vannatter: Yeah. When was the last time you saw Nicole?

Simpson: We were leaving a dance recital. She took off and I was talking to her parents.

Vannatter: Where was the dance recital?

Simpson: Paul Revere High School.

Vannatter: And that was for one of your children?

Simpson: Yeah, for my daughter Sydney.

Vannatter: And about what time was that yesterday?

Simpson: It ended about six-‐thirty, quarter to seven, something like that, you know, in the ballpark, right in that area.
And they took off.

Vannatter: They?

Simpson: Her and her family, her mother and father, sisters, my kids, you know.

Vannatter: And then you went your separate ways?

Simpson: Yeah, actually she left, and then they came back, and her mother got in a car with her, and the kids all piled
into her sister’s car, and they…

Vannatter: Was Nicole driving?

Simpson: Yeah.

Vannatter: What kind of car was she driving?

Simpson: Her black car, a Cherokee, a Jeep Cherokee.

Vannatter: What were you driving?

Simpson: My Rolls-‐Royce, my Bentley.

Vannatter: Do you own that Ford Bronco that sits outside?

Simpson: Hertz owns it, and Hertz lets me use it.

Vannatter: So that’s your vehicle, the one that was parked there on the street?

Simpson: Mm hmm.

Vannatter: And it’s actually owned by Hertz?

Simpson: Hertz, yeah.

Vannatter: Who’s the primary driver on that? You?

Simpson: I drive it, the housekeeper drives it, you know, it’s kind of a…

Vannatter: All-‐purpose type of vehicle?

Simpson: All purpose, yeah. It’s the only one that my insurance will allow me to let anyone else drive.

Vannatter: Okay.

Lange: When you drive it, where do you park it at home? Where it is now, it was in the street or something?

Simpson: I always park it in the street.

Lange: You never take it in the…?

Simpson: Oh, rarely. I mean, I’ll bring it in and switch the stuff, you know, and stuff like that. I did that yesterday, you
know.

Lange: When did you last drive it?

Simpson: Yesterday.

Vannatter: What time yesterday?

Simpson: In the morning, in the afternoon.

Vannatter: Okay, you left her, you’re saying, about six-‐thirty or seven, or she left the recital?

Simpson: Yeah.

Vannatter: And you spoke with her parents?

Simpson: Yeah.

Vannatter: Okay, what time did you leave the recital?

Simpson: Right about that time. We were all leaving. We were all leaving then. Her mother said something about me
joining them for dinner, and I said no thanks.

Vannatter: Where did you go from there, OJ?

Simpson: Ah, home, home for a while, got my car for a while, tried to find my girlfriend for a while, came back to the
house.

Vannatter: Who was home when you got home?

Simpson: Kato.

Vannatter: Kato? Anybody else? Was your daughter there, Arnelle?

Simpson: Arnelle, yeah.

Vannatter: So what time do you think you got back home, actually physically got home?

Simpson: Seven-‐something.

Vannatter: Seven-‐something? And then you left, and…

Simpson: Yeah, I’m trying to think, did I leave? You know, I’m always…I had to run and get my daughter some flowers. I
was actually doing the recital, so I rushed and got her some flowers, and I came home, and then I called Paula as I was
going to her house, and Paula wasn’t home.

Vannatter: Paula is your girlfriend?

Simpson: Girlfriend, yeah.

**** Questions about Paula, the spelling of her name and her address, the reason why he was supposed to be in
Chicago that morning (to play in a charity golf tournament).

Vannatter: Oh, Okay. What time did you leave last night, leave the house?

Simpson: To go the airport?

Vannatter: Mmm hmm.

Simpson: About..the limo was supposed to be there at ten forty-‐five. Normally, they get there a little earlier. I was
rushing around, somewhere between there and eleven.

Vannatter: So approximately ten forty-‐five to eleven.

Simpson: Eleven o’clock, yeah, somewhere in that area.
Vannatter: And you went by limo?

Simpson: Yeah.

Vannatter: Who’s the limo service?

Simpson: Ah, you have to ask my office.

Vannatter: Did you converse with the driver at all? Did you talk to him?

Simpson: No, he was a new driver. Normally, I have a regular driver I drive with and converse. No, just about rushing to
the airport, about how I live my life on airplanes, and hotels, that type of thing.

**** Questions about his flight to Chicago.

Lange: So yesterday did you drive the white Bronco?

Simpson: Mmm hmm.

Lange: And where did you park it when you brought it home?

Simpson: Ah, the first time probably by the mailbox. I’m trying to think, or did I bring it in the driveway? Normally, I park
it by the mailbox, sometimes…

Lange: On Ashford or Ashland?

Simpson: On Ashford, yeah.

Lange: Where did you park yesterday for the last time, do you remember?

Simpson: Right where it is.

Lange: Where it is now?

Simpson: Yeah.

Lange: Where, on…?

Simpson: Right on the street there.

Lange: On Ashford?

Simpson: No, on Rockingham.

Lange: You parked it there?

Simpson: Yes.

Lange: About what time was that?

Simpson: Eight-‐something, seven….eight, nine o’clock, I don’t know, right in that area.

Lange: Did you take it to the recital?
Simpson: No

Lange: What time was the recital?

Simpson: Over at about six-‐thirty. Like I said, I came home, I got my car, I was going to see my girlfriend. I was calling
her, and she wasn’t around.

Lange: So you drove the…you came home in the Rolls and then you got in the Bronco?

Simpson: In the Bronco, ‘cause my phone was in the Bronco. And because it’s a Bronco. It’s a Bronco, it’s what I drive,
you know. I’d rather drive it than any other car. And, you know, as I was going over there, I called her a couple of times,
and she wasn’t there, and I left a message, and then I checked my messages, and there were no messages. She wasn’t
there, and she may have to leave town. Then I came back and ended up sitting with Kato.

Lange: Okay. What time was this again that you parked the Bronco?

Simpson: Eight-‐something, maybe. He hadn’t done a Jacuzzi, we had…went and got a burger, and I’d come home and
kind of leisurely got ready to go. I mean, we’d done a few things…

Lange: You weren’t a hurry when you came back with the Bronco?

Simpson: No.

Lange: The reason I ask you, the car was parked kind of at a funny angle, stuck out in the street.

Simpson: Well, it’s parked because…I don’t know if it’s a funny angle or what. It’s parked because when I was hustling at
the end of the day to get all my stuff, and I was getting my phone and everything off it, when I just pulled it out of the
gate there, it’s like, it’s a tight turn.

Lange: So you had it inside the compound then?

Simpson: Yeah.

Lange: Oh, Okay.

Simpson: I brought it inside the compound to get my stuff out of it, and then I put it out, and I’d run back inside the gate
before the gate closes.

**** Questions about the telephone number for OJ’s office.

Vannatter: How about the injury on your hand?

Simpson: I don’t know. The first time, when I was in Chicago and all, but at the house I was just running around.

Vannatter: How did you do it in Chicago?

Simpson: I broke a glass. One of you guys had just called me, and I was in the bathroom, and I just went bonkers for a
little bit.

Lange: Is that how you cut it?

Simpson: Mmm, it was cut before, but I think I just opened it again, I’m not sure.

Lange: Do you recall bleeding at all in your truck, in the Bronco?

Simpson: I recall bleeding at my house, and then I went to the Bronco. The last thing I did before I left, when I was
rushing, was went and got my phone out of the Bronco.

Lange: Mmm hmm. Where’s the phone now?

Simpson: In my bag.

Lange: You have it?

Simpson: In that black bag.

Lange: You brought a bag here with you?

Simpson: Yeah, it’s…

Lange: So do you recall bleeding at all?

Simpson: Yeah, I mean, I knew I was bleeding, but it was no big deal. I bleed all the time. I play golf and stuff, so there’s
always something, nicks and stuff, here and there.

Lange: So did you do anything? When did you put the band-‐aid on it?

Simpson: Actually, I asked the girl this morning for it.

Lange: And she got it?

Simpson: Yeah, ‘cause last night with Kato, when I was leaving, he was saying something to me, and I was rushing to get
my phone, and I put a little thing on it, and it stopped.

**** Questions about who has the keys to the Bronco and who was the last person to drive it.
**** Questions about the last time Simpson was at Nicole’s house.
**** Questions about whether he had a conversation with Nicole last night and the nature of that conversation.

Vannatter: What were you wearing last night, OJ?

Simpson: What did I wear on the golf course yesterday? Some of these kind of pants, some of these kind of pants. I
mean, I changed different for whatever it was. I just had on some…

Vannatter: Just these black pants?

Simpson: Just these…they’re called Bugle Boy.

Vannatter: These aren’t the pants?

Simpson: No.

Vannatter: Where are the pants that you wore?

Simpson: They’re hanging in my closet.

**** More questions about his pants and shoes.
**** Questions about the expected length of his trip to Chicago.

Vannatter: OJ, we’ve got sort of a problem.

Simpson: Mmm hmm.

Vannatter: We’ve got some blood on and in your car, we’ve got some blood at your house, and sort of a problem.

Simpson: Well, take my blood test.

Lange: Well, we’d like to do that. We’ve got, of course, the cut on your finger that you aren’t real clear on. Do you recall
having that cut on your finger the last time you were at Nicole’s house?

Simpson: A week ago?

Lange: Yeah.

Simpson: No. It was last night.

Lange: Okay, so last night you cut it?

Vannatter: Somewhere after the recital?

Simpson: Somewhere when I was rushing to get out of my house.

Vannatter: Okay, after the recital?

Simpson: Yeah.

Vannatter: What do you think happened? Do you have any idea?

Simpson: I have no idea, man. You guys haven’t told me anything. I have no idea. When you said to my daughter, who
said something to me today that somebody else might have been involved, I have absolutely no idea what happened. I
don’t know how, why, or what. But you guys haven’t told me anything. Every time I ask you guys, you say you’re going to
tell me in a bit.

Vannatter: Well, we don’t know a lot of the answers to these questions yet ourselves, OJ, okay?

Simpson: I’ve got a bunch of guns, guns all over the place. You can take them, they’re all there, I mean, you can see
them. I keep them in my car for an incident that happened a month ago that my in-‐laws, my wife, and everybody knows
about that.

Vannatter: What was that?
Simpson: Going down to…And cops down there know about it because I’ve told two marshals about it. At a mall, I was
going down for a christening, and I had just left and it was like three-‐thirty in the morning and I’m in a lane, and also the
car in front of me is going real slow, and I’m slowing down ‘cause I figure he sees a cop, ‘cause we’re all going pretty fast
and I’m going to change lanes, but there’s a car next to me, and I can’t change lanes. Then that goes for a while, and I’m
going to slow down and go around him, but the car butts up to me, and I’m like caught between three cars. They were
Oriental guys, and they were not letting me go anywhere. And finally I went on the shoulder, and I sped up, and then I
held my phone up so they could see the light part of it, you know, ‘cause I have tinted windows, and they kind of
scattered, and I chased one of them for a while to make him think I was chasing him before I took off.

Lange: Were you in the Bronco?

Simpson: No.

Lange: What were you driving?

Simpson: My Bentley. It has tinted windows and all, so I figured they thought they had a nice little touch.

Lange: Did you think they were trying to rip you off?

Simpson: Definitely, they were. And then the next thing, you know, Nicole and I went home. At four in the morning I got
there to Laguna, and when we woke up, I told her about it, and told her parents about it, told everybody about it, you
know? And when I saw two marshals at a mall, I walked up and told them about it.

Vannatter: What did they do, make a report on it?

Simpson: They didn’t know nothing. I mean, they’ll remember me and remember I told them.

Vannatter: Did Nicole mention that she’d been getting any threats lately to you? Anything she was concerned about or
the kids’ safety?

Simpson: To her?

Vannatter: Yes.

Simpson: From?

Vannatter: From anybody?

Simpson: No, not at all.

Vannatter: Was she very security conscious? Did she keep that house locked up?

Simpson: Very.

Vannatter: The intercom didn’t work, apparently, right?

Simpson: I thought it worked.

Vannatter: Oh, okay. Does the electronic buzzer work?

Simpson: The electronic buzzer works to let people in.

Vannatter: Did you ever park in the rear when you go over there?

Simpson: Most of the time.

Vannatter: You do park in the rear?

Simpson: Most time when I’m taking the kids there, I come right into the driveway, blow the horn, and she, or a lot of
times the housekeeper, either the housekeeper opens or they’ll keep a garage door open up on the top of the thing, you
know, but that’s when I’m dropping the kids off, and I’m not going in, and sometimes I go to the front because the kids
have to hit the buzzer and stuff.

**** Questions about continuing attempts at reconciliation between him and Nicole.

Vannatter: How long were you together?

Simpson: Seventeen years.

Vannatter: Seventeen years. Did you ever hit her, OJ?

Simpson: Ah, one night we had a fight. We had a fight, and she hit me. And they never took my statement, they never
wanted to hear my side, and they never wanted to hear the housekeeper’s side. Nicole was drunk. She did her thing, she
started tearing up my house, you know? And I didn’t punch her or anything, but I…

Vannatter: Slapped her a couple times?

Simpson: No, no, I wrestled her, is what I did. I didn’t slap her at all. I mean, Nicole’s a strong girl. She’s a…one of the
most conditioned women. Since that period of time, she’s hit me a few times, but I’ve never touched her after that, and
I’m telling you, it’s five, six years ago.

Vannatter: What’s her birth date?

Simpson: May 19th.

Vannatter: Did you get together with her on her birthday?

Simpson: Yeah, her and I and the kids, I believe.

Vannatter: Did you give her a gift?

Simpson: I gave her a gift.
**** Questions about the gift, when he gave it to her, and that she gave it back to him.

Lange: Did Mr. Weitzman, your attorney, talk to you anything about this polygraph we brought up before? What are
your thoughts on that?

Simpson: Should I talk about my thoughts on that? I’m sure eventually I’ll do it, but it’s like I’ve got some weird thoughts
right now. I’ve had weird thoughts…You know, when you’ve been with a person for seventeen years, you think
everything. I’ve got to understand what this thing is. If it’s true blue, I don’t mind doing it.

Lange: Well, you’re not compelled at all to take this, number one, and number two, I don’t know if Mr. Weitzman
explained it to you-‐this goes to the exclusion of someone as much as to the inclusion so we can eliminate people. And
just to get things straight.

Simpson: But does it work for elimination?

Lange: Oh yes, we use it for elimination more than anything.

Simpson: Well, I’ll talk to him about it.

Lange: Understand, the reason we’re talking to you is because you’re the ex-‐husband.

Simpson: I know I’m the number one target, and now you tell me I’ve got blood all over the place.

Lange: Well, there’s blood in your house and in the driveway, and we’ve got a search warrant, and we’re going to go get
the blood. We found some in your house. Is that your blood that’s there?

Simpson: If it’s dripped, it’s what I dripped running around trying to leave.

Lange: Last night?

Simpson: Yeah, and I wasn’t aware that it was…I was aware that I…you know, I was trying to get out of the house, I
didn’t even pay any attention to it. I saw it when I was in the kitchen and I grabbed a napkin or something, and that was
it. I didn’t think about it after that.

Vannatter: That was last night after you got home from the recital when you were rushing?

Simpson: That was last night when I was…I don’t know what I was. I was in the car getting my junk out of the car. I was
in the house throwing hangars and stuff in my suitcase. I was doing my little crazy what I do. I mean, I do it everywhere.
Anybody who has ever picked me up says that Simpson’s a whirlwind. He’s running, he’s grabbing things, and that’s
what I was doing.

Vannatter: Well, I’m going to step out and I’m going to get a photographer to come down and photograph your hand
there. And then here pretty soon, we’re going to take you downstairs and get some blood from you, okay? I’ll be right
back.

Lange: So it was about five days ago you last saw Nicole? Was it at the house?
Simpson: Okay, the last time I saw Nicole, physically saw Nicole, I saw her obviously last night. The time before, I’m
trying to think. I went to Washington, D.C., so I didn’t see her, so I’m trying to think. I haven’t seen her since I went to
Washington. I went to Washington, what’s the date today?

Lange: Today’s Monday, the 13th of June.

Simpson: Okay, I went to Washington on maybe Wednesday. Thursday I think I was in….Thursday, I was in Connecticut,
then Long Island Thursday afternoon and all of Friday. I got home Friday night, Friday afternoon, I played, you
know…Paula picked me up at the airport. I played golf Saturday, and when I came home I think my son was there. So I
did something with my son. I don’t think I saw Nicole at all then. And then I went to a big affair with Paula Saturday
night, and I got up and played golf Sunday, which pissed Paula off, and I saw her at the…

Lange: Okay, the last time you saw Nicole, was that at her house?

Simpson: I don’t remember. I wasn’t in her house, so it couldn’t have been at her house, so it was, you know, I don’t
even physically remember the last time I saw her. I may have seen her even jogging one day.

Lange: Let me get this straight. You’ve never physically been inside the house?

Simpson: Not in the last week.

****Additional questions about when he last saw Nicole and when he was last at her house.

Lange: We’re ready to terminate this at 14:07.

By most accounts, this interrogation was a failure. The detectives learned very little as a result of the questioning of the
prime suspect. They came nowhere even close to obtaining a confession or even getting a firm account of his activities
the previous night. (Brandl, 2004).

Excerpts from two 911 calls from Nicole Brown Simpson (Oct.
25, 1993):
NICOLE: Can you send someone to my house?
DISPATCHER: What's the problem there?
NICOLE: My ex-husband has just broken into my house and he's ranting and raving outside the front
yard.
DISPATCHER: Has he been drinking or anything?
NICOLE: No. But he's crazy.
DISPATCHER: And you said he hasn't been drinking?
NICOLE: No.
DISPATCHER: Did he hit you?
NICOLE: No.
DISPATCHER: Do you have a restraining order against him?
NICOLE: No.
DISPATCHER: What's your name?
NICOLE: Nicole Simpson.
DISPATCHER: And your address?
NICOLE: 325 Gretna Green Way.
DISPATCHER: Okay, we'll send the police out.
NICOLE: Nicole: Thank you.
DISPATCHER: Dispatcher: Uh-huh.
(The dispatcher issues a call for any patrol car to respond to the address at Gretna Green. Minutes
later, Nicole Simpson called back.)
NICOLE: Could you get somebody over here now, to ... Gretna Green. He's back. Please?
DISPATCHER: What does he look like?
NICOLE: He's O.J. Simpson. I think you know his record. Could you just send somebody over here?
DISPATCHER: What is he doing there?
NICOLE: He just drove up again. (She begins to cry) Could you just send somebody over?
DISPATCHER: Dispatcher: Wait a minute. What kind of car is he in?
NICOLE: He's in a white Bronco, but first of all he broke the back door down to get in.
DISPATCHER: Wait a minute. What's your name?
NICOLE: Nicole Simpson.
DISPATCHER: OK, is he the sportscaster or whatever?
NICOLE: Yeah. Thank you.
DISPATCHER: Wait a minute, we're sending police. What is he doing? Is he threatening you?
NICOLE: He's (expletive) going nuts. (sobs)
DISPATCHER: Has he threatened you in any way or is he just harassing you?
NICOLE: (Sighs) You're going to hear him in a minute. He's about to come in again.
DISPATCHER: OK, just stay on the line...
NICOLE: I don't want to stay on the line. He's going to beat the (expletive) out of me.
DISPATCHER: Wait a minute, just stay on the line so we can know what's going on until the police
get there, OK? OK, Nicole?
NICOLE: Uh-huh.
DISPATCHER: Just a moment. Does he have any weapons?
NICOLE: I don't know. He went home and he came back. The kids are up there sleeping and I don't
want anything to happen.
DISPATCHER: OK, just a moment. Is he on drugs or anything?
NICOLE: No.
DISPATCHER: Just stay on the line. Just in case he comes in I need to hear what's going on, all
right?
NICOLE: Can you hear him outside?
DISPATCHER: Is he yelling?
NICOLE: Yep.
DISPATCHER: OK. Has he been drinking?
NICOLE: No.
DISPATCHER: OK. (Speaking over radio to police units) ... All units: additional on domestic violence,
325 South Gretna Green Way, the suspect has returned in a white Bronco. Monitor comments.
Incident 48221.
DISPATCHER: OK, Nicole?
NICOLE: Uh-huh.
DISPATCHER: Is he outdoors?
NICOLE: He's in the back yard.
DISPATCHER: He's in the back yard?
NICOLE: Screaming at my roommate about me and at me.
DISPATCHER: OK. What is he saying?
NICOLE: Oh, something about some guy I know and hookers and Keith and I started this (expletive)
before and ...
DISPATCHER: Um-hum.
NICOLE: And it's all my fault and 'Now what am I going to do, get the police in this' and the whole
thing. It's all my fault, I started this before. (sigh) Brother. (inaudible)
DISPATCHER: OK, has he hit you today or...?
NICOLE: No.
DISPATCHER: OK, you don't need any paramedics or anything.
NICOLE: Uh-uh
DISPATCHER: OK, you just want him to leave?
NICOLE: My door. He broke the whole back door in.
DISPATCHER : And then he left and he came back?
NICOLE: Then he came and he practically knocked my upstairs door down but he pounded it and he
screamed and hollered and I tried to get him out of the bedroom because the kids are sleeping in
there.
DISPATCHER: Um-hum. OK.
NICOLE: And then he wanted somebody's phone number and I gave him my phone book or I put my
phone book down to write down the phone number that he wanted and then he took my phone book
with all my stuff in it.
DISPATCHER: OK. So basically you guys have just been arguing? (Simpson is yelling)
DISPATCHER: Is he inside right now.
NICOLE: Yeah.
DISPATCHER: OK, just a moment.
SIMPSON.: Do you understand me? (inaudible) Keith is a nothing. A skunk, and he still calls me.
(inaudible)
DISPATCHER: Is he talking to you?
NICOLE: Yeah.
DISPATCHER: Are you locked in a room or something?
NICOLE: No. He can come right in. I'm not going where the kids are because the kids ...
DISPATCHER: Do you think he's going to hit you?
NICOLE: I don't know.
DISPATCHER: Stay on the line. Don't hang it up, OK?
NICOLE: OK.
DISPATCHER: What is he saying?
NICOLE: What?
DISPATCHER: What is he saying?
NICOLE: What else?

SIMPSON : (inaudible)
(Sound of police radio traffic)
NICOLE: O.J. O.J. The kids are sleeping.
SIMPSON: (More yelling)
DISPATCHER: He's still yelling at you?
(Nicole sobbing into telephone)
DISPATCHER: Just stay on the line, OK
(More yelling)
DISPATCHER: Is he upset with something that you did?
NICOLE: (Sobs) A long time ago. It always comes back. (More yelling)
DISPATCHER: Is your roommate talking to him?
NICOLE: No, who can talk? Listen to him.
DISPATCHER: I know. Does he have any weapons with him right now?
NICOLE: No, uh-uh
DISPATCHER: OK. Where is he standing?
NICOLE: In the back doorway, in the house.
DISPATCHER: OK.
SIMPSON: ... I don't give a (expletive) anymore.... That wife of his, she took so much for this
(expletive) (inaudible)
NICOLE: Would you just please, O.J., O.J., O.J., O.J., could you please (inaudible) Please leave.
SIMPSON: I'm leaving with my two (expletive) fists is when I'm leaving. You ain't got to worry about
me any more.
NICOLE:: Please leave. O.J. Please, the kids, the kids (inaudible) please.
DISPATCHER: Is he leaving?
NICOLE: No.
DISPATCHER: Does he know you're on the phone with police?
NICOLE: No.
DISPATCHER: OK. Where are the kids at right now?
NICOLE: Up in my room.
DISPATCHER: Can they hear him yelling?
NICOLE: I don't know. The room's the only one that's quiet.
DISPATCHER: Is there someone up there with the kids?
NICOLE: No.
(Yelling continues in the background.)
DISPATCHER: What is he saying now? Nicole? You still on the line?
NICOLE: Yeah.
DISPATCHER: You think he's still going to hit you?
NICOLE: I don't know. He's going to leave. He just said that. He just said he ain't leaving.
SIMPSON: You're not leaving when I'm gone. Hey! I have to read this (expletive) all week in the
National Enquirer. Her words exactly. What, who got that, who? (inaudible)
DISPATCHER: Are you the only one in there with him?
NICOLE: Right now, yeah.
DISPATCHER: And he's talking to you?
NICOLE: Yeah, and he's also talking to my, the guy who lives out back is just standing there. He just
came home.
DISPATCHER: Is he arguing with him, too?
NICOLE: No. Absolutely not.
DISPATCHER: Oh, OK.
NICOLE: Nobody's arguing.
DISPATCHER: Yeah. Has this happened before or no?
NICOLE: Many times.
DISPATCHER: OK. The police should be on the way it just seems like a long time because it's kind of
busy in that division right now.
(Yelling continues)
Dispatcher to police: Regarding Gretna Green Way, the suspect is still there and yelling very loudly.
DISPATCHER: Is he still arguing? (Knock at the door.)
DISPATCHER: Was someone knocking on your door?
NICOLE: It was him.
DISPATCHER: He was knocking on your door?
NICOLE: There's a locked bedroom and he's wondering why.
DISPATCHER: Oh. He's knocking on the locked door?
NICOLE: Yeah. You know what, O.J.? That window above you is also open. Could you just go,
please? Can I get off the phone?
DISPATCHER: You want, you feel safe hanging up?
NICOLE: Well, you're right
DISPATCHER: You want to wait til the police get there?
NICOLE: Yeah.
DISPATCHER: Nicole?
NICOLE: Um-hmm.
DISPATCHER: Is he still arguing with you?
NICOLE: Um-hum.
DISPATCHER: He's moved a little?
NICOLE: But I'm just ignoring him.
DISPATCHER: Okay. But he doesn't know you're...
NICOLE: It works best.
DISPATCHER: Okay. Are the kids are still asleep?
NICOLE: Yes. They're like rocks.
DISPATCHER: What part of the house is he in right now?
NICOLE: Downstairs.
DISPATCHER: Downstairs?
NICOLE: Yes.
DISPATCHER: And you're upstairs?
NICOLE: No, I'm downstairs in the kitchen.
SIMPSON: (continues yelling)
DISPATCHER: Do you see the police, Nicole?
NICOLE: No, but I will go out there right now.
DISPATCHER: OK, you want to go out there?
NICOLE: Yeah.
DISPATCHER: OK.
NICOLE: I'm going to hang up.
DISPATCHER: OK
(Linder, 1999).

O.J.'s "Suicide Letter"

[Letter discovered on June 17, 1994, shortly before Simpson's televised Bronco ride and arrest.]
To whom it may concern: First, everyone understand I have nothing to do with Nicole's murder. I loved her,
always have and always will. If we had a problem, it's because I loved her so much.
Recently, we came to the understanding that for now we were not right for each other, at least for now. Despite
our love we were different, and that's why we mutually agreed to go our separate ways. It was tough splitting for
a second time, but we both knew it was for the best.
Inside I had no doubt that in the future, we would be close as friends or more. Unlike what has been written in the
press, Nicole and I had a great relationship for most of our lives together, Like all long-term relationships, we had
a few downs and ups. I took the heat New Year's 1989 because that's what I was supposed to do. I did not plead
no contest for any other reason but to protect our privacy and was advised it would end the press hype.
I don't want to belabor knocking the press, but I can't believe what is being said. Most of it is totally made up. I
know you have a job to do, but as a last wish, please, please, please, leave my children in peace. Their lives will
be tough enough.
I want to send my love and thanks to all my friends. I'm sorry I can't name every one of you, especially A.C. man,
thanks for being in my life. The support and friendship I received from so many: Wayne Hughes, Lewis Markes,
Frank Olson, Mark Packer, Bender, Bobby Kardashian.
I wish we had spent more time together in recent years. My golfing buddies, Hoss, Alan Austin, Mike, Craig,
Bender, Wyler, Sandy, Jay, Donnie, thanks for the fun. All my teammates over the years, Reggie, you were the
soul of my pro career. Ahmad, I never stopped being proud of you. Marcus, You've got a great lady in Catherine,
don't mess it up. Bobby Chandler, thanks for always being there. Skip and Kathy, I love you guys, without you I
never would have made it through this far. Marguerite, thanks for the early years. We had some fun. Paula, what
can I say? You are special. I'm sorry we're not going to have our chance. God brought you to me I now see. As I
leave, you'll be in my thoughts.
I think of my life and feel I've done most of the right things. What the outcome, people will look and point. I can't
take that. I can't subject my children to that. This way they can move on and go on with their lives. Please, if I've
done anything worthwhile in my life. Let my kids live in peace from you (press).
I've had a good life. I'm proud of how I lived. My mama taught me to do unto other. I treated people the way I
wanted to be treated. I've always tried to be up and helpful so why is this happening? I'm sorry for the Goldman
family. I know how much it hurts.
Nicole and I had a good life together. All this press talk about a rocky relationship was no more than what every
long-term relationship experiences. All her friends will confirm that I have been totally loving and understanding
of what she's been going through. At times I have felt like a battered husband or boyfriend but I loved her, make
that clear to everyone. And I would take whatever it took to make it work.
Don't feel sorry for me. I've had a great life, great friends. Please think of the real O.J. and not this lost person.
Thanks for making my life special. I hope I helped yours.
Peace and love, O.J. [smiley face inside the O]
(Linder, 1999).

References

Brandl, S.G. (2004). Criminal Investigation. Pearson Education, Inc., Boston, MA.

Justice Junction. (2004). The Autopsy Report of Nicole Brown Simpson. Retrieved from
http://www.justicejunction.com/judicial_injustice_oj_autopsy_report_nbs.htm.

Linder, D.O. (1999). A Trial Account: OJ Simpson. Retrieved from
http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/Simpson/simpson.htm.

Source of a lot of documents (original): http://simpson.walraven.org/.

OJSimpson Case Study

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CJ211:

Criminal Investigation OJ Simpson Case Case Study: Physical Evidence

I. Incised wound of neck:

A. Transection of left and right common carotid arteries.

B. Incisions, left and right internal jugular veins

C. Transection of thyrohyoid membrane, epiglottis, and hypopharynx.

D. Incision into cervical spine, C3.

IV. Scalp bruise, right parietal.

NOTES AND PROCEDURES

EVIDENCE OF INJURY:

DESCRIPTION OF INCISED WOUND OF NECK:

DESCRIPTION OF MULTIPLE STAB WOUNDS

This is a superficial slit-­‐like wound of the skin, non-­‐fatal.

INJURIES TO HANDS:

INTERNAL EVIDENCE OF INJURIES:

SYSTEMIC AND ORGAN REVIEW:

MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM-­‐-­‐SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE-­‐-­‐SKIN

HEAD-­‐-­‐CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

ORGANS OF SPECIAL SENSES:

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM-­‐-­‐THROAT STRUCTURES

HEPATOBILIARY SYSTEM -­‐-­‐ PANCREAS

HEMOLYMPHATIC SYSTEM -­‐-­‐ ADRENAL GLAND

The thymus gland is no identifiable.

The urinary bladder contains a few ml. of clear urine.

GENITAL SYSTEM (female)

June 16, 1994 Date

Vannatter: Was Nicole driving?

Vannatter: And you went by limo?

Simpson: They’re hanging in my closet.

Simpson: I thought it worked.

NICOLE: What else?

O.J.'s "Suicide Letter"

Thanks for making my life special. I hope I helped yours.

Peace and love, O.J. [smiley face inside the O]

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This is a superficial slit-‐like wound of the skin, non-‐fatal.

MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM-‐-‐SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE-‐-‐SKIN

HEAD-‐-‐CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM-‐-‐THROAT STRUCTURES

HEPATOBILIARY SYSTEM -‐-‐ PANCREAS

HEMOLYMPHATIC SYSTEM -‐-‐ ADRENAL GLAND