The Legacy of Key Figures in O.J. Simpson's Notorious Murder Trial: Updates on Their Lives Today

Feature OJ Simpson Criminal Murder Trial Key Players Where Are They Now

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In the '90s, NFL star O.J. Simpson was famously acquitted of the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman after a highly publicized trial. This legal battle became one of the most well-known criminal trials in American history and a significant event of the 1990s.

Brown Simpson and Goldman were brutally murdered in June 1994 outside her home in Los Angeles. Law enforcement quickly identified Simpson as their main suspect just one day later. Following a widely televised car chase in his white Ford Bronco, Simpson was arrested outside his Brentwood, California residence.

A month after his arrest, Simpson was formally charged and pleaded not guilty. The trial officially commenced in January 1995, during which Simpson assembled a renowned team of defense lawyers, including Robert Kardashian Sr., who was known for being part of the self-proclaimed "dream team." Interestingly, Kris Jenner, who was a close friend of Brown Simpson, was present in the courtroom to support the victim's family throughout the entire trial.

Despite the evidence presented by prosecutors Marcia Clark and Christopher Darden, a sequestered jury acquitted Simpson of the two murders. However, in 1996, Brown Simpson and Goldman's families sued Simpson for wrongful death, and he was found responsible. He was ordered to pay $33 million in damages to the victims' families.

Simpson passed away in April 2024 at the age of 76 after battling cancer for several years. He is survived by his five children and numerous grandchildren.

Keep reading for a breakdown of all the major players in Simpson’s criminal trial and where they are now:

Marcia Clark (Prosector)

Marcia Clark OJ Simpson Criminal Murder Trial Key Players Where Are They Now

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Christopher Darden (Prosecutor):

Christopher Darden worked alongside lead prosecutor Clark in the criminal trial, helping to build the case against Simpson for the murders of Brown Simpson and Goldman. After the trial, Darden also wrote a memoir about the case called Without a Doubt. In addition to his legal work, Darden has authored several crime fiction novels, including the four-book Samantha Brinkman series and the 2022 release, The Fall Girl.

Christopher Darden OJ Simpson Criminal Murder Trial Key Players Where Are They Now

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Robert Kardashian Sr. (Defense)

Robert Kardashian Sr. worked alongside O.J. Simpson's defense team during the infamous trial. Prior to this, he had a successful career as a businessman and attorney. Kardashian Sr. gained widespread media attention due to his friendship with Simpson and his involvement in the case. He passed away in 2003.

Robert Kardashian OJ Simpson Criminal Murder Trial Key Players Where Are They Now

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Robert had four children with his ex-wife Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, and Rob Kardashian. They all have childhood memories of watching the Simpson trial in the courtroom. Robert, who was an entertainment attorney, passed away in September 2003 at the age of 59 after a brief fight with esophageal cancer.

Robert Shapiro (Defense)

Robert Shapiro OJ Simpson Criminal Murder Trial Key Players Where Are They Now

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Johnnie Cochran is a defense attorney known for representing high-profile clients in California. Cochran gained national fame for his role in the O.J. Simpson murder trial. He has also represented celebrities such as Michael Jackson and Tupac Shakur. Cochran is known for his charismatic courtroom presence and his ability to deliver compelling closing arguments.

Jonny Cochran OJ Simpson Criminal Murder Trial Key Players Where Are They Now

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F. Lee Bailey (Defense)

Famously known for his role in the O.J. Simpson trial, F. Lee Bailey made the iconic statement, “If the glove don’t fit, you must acquit”, as part of Simpson’s defense. Despite the high-profile trial, Bailey later co-founded a personal injury law firm. In 2005, he passed away at the age of 67.

F Lee Bailey OJ Simpson Criminal Murder Trial Key Players Where Are They Now

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Alan Dershowitz, who served as part of the defense team, is a well-known lawyer. Bailey, who also represented heiress Patty Hearst, faced disbarment in Florida in 2001 for allegedly mishandling client funds and giving false testimony under oath. He was later disbarred in Massachusetts in 2003 for similar reasons. Sadly, Bailey passed away in June 2021 at the age of 87.

Alan Dershowitz OJ Simpson Criminal Murder Trial Key Players Where Are They Now

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Dershowitz was a professor at Harvard University for 50 years, retiring in 2014.

Lance Ito (Judge)

Lance Ito OJ Simpson Criminal Murder Trial Key Players Where Are They Now

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Ito continued to work as a judge until he retired in 2015.

Mark Fuhrman (Witness)

Mark Fuhrman OJ Simpson Criminal Murder Trial Key Players Where Are They Now

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Brian ‘Kato’ Kaelin (Witness)

The homicide detective found a “bloody glove” at the murder scene, believed to belong to Simpson. Another glove matching the one found was discovered near Simpson’s car and he was asked to try it on during the trial. Fuhrman was the officer who arrested Simpson, a moment captured in the Fuhrman Tapes. After leaving the LAPD, Fuhrman has become a contributor for Fox News, specializing in forensic analysis and crime scene investigation. He also hosts a radio show named after himself in Spokane, Washington.

Kato Kaelin OJ Simpson Criminal Murder Trial Key Players Where Are They Now

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Allan Park (Witness)

Allan Park was a key witness for the prosecution during the trial. He testified that he was staying at Simpson's house at the time of the crime and could not verify Simpson's whereabouts during the murder. Park's testimony played a crucial role in the case against Simpson.

After the trial, Park did not seek the spotlight like some other witnesses. Instead, he resumed his normal life away from the media frenzy. Park's testimony remains an important part of the trial's history.

Allan Parks OJ Simpson Criminal Murder Trial Key Players Where Are They Now

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Faye Resnick (Witness)

Faye Resnick testified in court that the limo driver had driven Simpson to the L.A. airport the night of the murder. The driver mentioned seeing Simpson's Bronco parked outside his home. After participating in some celebrity golf tournaments, Park decided to change careers and become a train conductor.

Faye Resnick OJ Simpson Criminal Murder Trial Key Players Where Are They Now

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Gil Garcetti (District Attorney)

Gil Garcetti, the District Attorney, played a significant role in the legal proceedings surrounding the case. He was responsible for prosecuting the individuals accused of the crime. Garcetti's decisions and actions during the trial were closely scrutinized by the public and media alike. Despite facing criticism for certain aspects of the case, Garcetti remained committed to seeking justice for the victims.

Gil Garcetti OJ Simpson Criminal Murder Trial Key Players Where Are They Now

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Garcetti was L.A.’s D.A. at the time of the trial but left office soon after. He has since become a photographer and published multiple books of photo essays.

Editor's P/S:

The O.J. Simpson trial was a landmark event in American history, capturing the nation's attention and sparking countless debates about race, justice,