Twenty years ago on June 12, O. J. Simpson’s ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and a friend, Ronald Goldman, were found stabbed to death in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles. Simpson, who was an actor, running back, Heisman Trophy winner and one of the most recognizable personalities in the country, was charged with double murder.
What followed the gruesome killings, was a manhunt on June 17 that led to the infamous slow-speed chase in the white Ford Bronco, a riveting high-profile trial on January 24, 1995, with round-the-clock television coverage; and the Oct. 3 not guilty verdict in Simpson’s criminal trial. Two years later, the former football star was, however; found liable for the murders in a civil trial.
Simpson, now 66, is currently serving prison time on a 2008 armed robbery conviction.
The murder case, the most publicized in American history, reshaped the media landscape and split the nation along racial lines. Twenty years later the impact is still being felt and discussed.
Here are seven interesting facts surrounding the case that continue to make it intriguing to the world today.
Evidence Found in Bronco
After the infamous white Bronco police chase ended, officers found almost $9,000 in cash in the pockets of Simpson’s best friend and former teammate, Al Cowlings, the Washington Post reported. Cowlings was driving the Bronco.
Also in the vehicle, police found a fake goatee and mustache, a bottle of makeup adhesive and receipts from a beauty store, along with Simpson’s passport and a gun.
