Almost 30 Years Ago, OJ Simpson Was Acquitted Of Murder Charges In ‘Trial Of The Century’

It has been almost three decades since former football star OJ Simpson was discharged and acquitted of murder charges. The trial, which took place in 1995, was one of the most high-profile and closely-watched criminal trials in American history.

The trial revolved around the double murder of Simpson’s ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her boyfriend, Ronald Goldman, who were brutally murdered outside Nicole’s Brentwood home in Los Angeles on June 12, 1994. The 76-year-old was quickly identified as the prime suspect due to his prior tumultuous relationship with Nicole.

The arrest and charging of OJ Simpson

On June 17, 1994, Simpson was apprehended and accused of the murders of Nicole Simpson and Goldman. Before the arrest, Simpson tried to evade arrest in a white Ford Bronco, and that action made more people interested in the trial.

RELATED: As OJ Simpson Turns 76, He Believes He Is ‘Dying In Plain Sight’ And ‘The End Is Near’

On June 21, 1994, Simpson was formally charged and pleaded not guilty in court. His defense attorney, the renowned Johnnie Cochran, devised a strategy to cast doubt in the jury’s minds regarding Simpson’s culpability. One of the most iconic moments of the trial was when Cochran had Simpson put on a glove found at the crime scene.

He was found not guilty of murder

This glove was a critical piece of evidence. Cochran’s famous refrain, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit,” echoed throughout the courtroom as he argued that the glove was too small for Simpson’s hand, suggesting that it couldn’t have been worn by the accused.

Finally, on October 3, 1995, the jury delivered their verdict. When the words “not guilty” were announced, Simpson displayed a mixture of emotions, smiling and mouthing the words “thank you.” This moment marked the conclusion of a trial that had captivated the nation and had far-reaching implications for discussions about race, celebrity, and the legal system in the United States.