Jon Leiberman reports on the OJ Simpson trial and his eventual conviction.

Orenthal James 'O.J.' Simpson, once a celebrated athlete and actor, became the focus of a highly publicized murder investigation following the deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. The evidence at the crime scene pointed to Simpson, who failed to turn himself in and instead led police on a widely televised slow-speed chase before surrendering at his home. 

Simpson was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, leading to a trial that captivated the nation and highlighted issues of race, media, and celebrity. Despite significant evidence, Simpson was acquitted, a verdict that deeply divided public opinion. In a subsequent civil trial, Simpson was found liable for the deaths and ordered to pay damages. Years later, he was convicted of armed robbery and kidnapping, serving nine years in prison before being granted parole.

How OJ Simpson was captured

The Pursuit, Trial, and Aftermath of O.J. Simpson. Orenthal James O.J. Simpson was an American icon, a Heisman Trophy winner, NFL Hall of Famer, actor, and pitchman. But on June 12, 1994, his name became synonymous with one of the most infamous murder cases in American history. That night, Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman were found brutally murdered outside Nicole's Los Angeles home. The crime scene was savage, bloody footprints, a single black glove, and a trail of evidence that pointed to one man, O.J. Simpson. The crime itself was about as horrific as you can imagine. There was so much blood. You have to remember that Nicole was nearly decapitated and bled out on the sidewalk. On June 17, Simpson was scheduled to turn himself in. Instead, he disappeared, triggering a nationwide manhunt. O.J., wherever you are, for the sake of your family, for the sake of your children, please surrender immediately. Hours later, the world watched live as Simpson, in the back of a white Ford Bronco, led police on a slow-speed chase down the Los Angeles freeways. You probably remember where you were. Millions of Americans were glued to their TVs as the drama unfolded. After hours of negotiation, Simpson surrendered at his Brentwood home. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. What followed was the trial of the century. The prosecution's case seemed airtight. DNA evidence, a history of domestic violence, and that infamous glove found at the crime scene. Two people have been brutally murdered, and the evidence consistently will point to the guilt of only one person as their murderer. But Simpson assembled a dream team of defense attorneys, Johnny Cochran, Robert Shapiro, F. Lee Bailey, and others, who attacked the credibility of the LAPD and questioned the handling of evidence. Remember these words, if it doesn't fit, you must acquit. The trial captivated the nation for nearly a year. Racial tensions, media frenzy, and celebrity culture collided in the courtroom, all televised, all for the world to see. It was really the first case of its kind where people could watch from start to finish and watch it unfold and be frustrated because this was a real-life soap opera. On October 3rd, 1995, the verdict was read, while millions of Americans tuned in. We the jury in the above entitled action find the defendant, Orenthal James Simpson, not guilty of the crime of murder. The acquittal shocked many and divided the country. For some, it was a victory for justice. For others, a miscarriage of it. You go, boy! I'm so happy. Yes! Yes! Yes! And I think that this is terrible, that he's going to get away with this, you know, because I do believe that he did it and it's just not fair. But Simpson's legal troubles did not end there. In 1997, a civil court found him liable for the wrongful deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, ordering him to pay more than $20 million in damages. Years later, Simpson's life continued to spiral. In 2007, he was arrested in Las Vegas alongside others for armed robbery and kidnapping, attempting to retrieve sports memorabilia he claimed was stolen from him. They were very angry. It was like a takeover robbery type situation. These gentlemen were very aggressive. Simpson was obviously very upset and, you know, he was upset and yelling. Arrested in 2008, Simpson was sentenced to 33 years in prison. He served nine before being granted parole in 2017. John Lieberman, Scripps News Group.

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