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Crime & Justice • Trial

O.J. Simpson murder case

The O.J.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The O.J. Simpson murder case was a highly publicized 1995 criminal trial in Los Angeles in which former American football player O. J. Simpson was accused of murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman. Simpson was acquitted on October 3, 1995, in a trial widely described as one of the most sensational in U.S. legal history.

Background

Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman were killed on June 12, 1994, outside Brown’s home in Los Angeles. O. J. Simpson, a former professional football star, became the central suspect in the investigation.

Criminal trial

The criminal trial began in January 1995 before Judge Lance A. Ito. After months of testimony and argument, the jury returned a not-guilty verdict on October 3, 1995.

Public and media attention

The case was broadcast extensively and became one of the most watched trials in U.S. history. It generated intense debate about media influence, race relations, domestic violence, and the criminal justice system.

Civil case aftermath

In a later civil trial, a jury found Simpson liable for the deaths of Brown and Goldman. The civil verdict resulted in a money judgment in favor of the victims’ families.

Key facts

  • The trial concerned the 1994 killings of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman in Los Angeles.
  • Simpson was acquitted of the criminal charges on October 3, 1995.
  • The trial lasted about eight months and attracted extensive live television coverage.
  • The case became a major media event and drew attention to issues including race, policing, forensic evidence, and celebrity.
  • A later civil trial found Simpson liable for the deaths of Brown and Goldman and ordered damages to their families.
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Canadian context

The case was widely reported in Canada and remains a reference point in discussions of media coverage, celebrity trials, and criminal justice in North American news culture.

Frequently asked questions

Who was O. J. Simpson?
O. J. Simpson was an American football player and public figure who was tried for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.
What was Simpson charged with?
He was charged in the criminal case with the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman.
What was the verdict?
The jury found Simpson not guilty on October 3, 1995.
How long did the trial last?
The criminal trial lasted about eight months, from January 24 to October 3, 1995.
Was there a civil case too?
Yes. A later civil trial found Simpson liable for the deaths and ordered damages to the families of the victims.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/event/O-J-Simpson-trial
    Supports: Trial overview, acquittal date, victims, and historical significance.
  2. HISTORY — https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/october-3/o-j-simpson-acquitted
    Supports: Acquittal date, trial length, and public significance.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_trial_of_O._J._Simpson
    Supports: Trial name, court, dates, judge, and civil case outcome.
  4. People — https://people.com/crime/o-j-simpson-murder-trial-explained/
    Supports: Background on the murders, trial length, and civil aftermath.