By Thomas Bart | April 12, 2024

O.J. Simpson, the former NFL star famously acquitted of the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, has passed away at the age of 76, as confirmed by his family. The news of his death has reignited interest in the iconic Trial of the Century and the individuals involved in the case. Let’s take a closer look at where key figures from the trial are today.

The Defendant: O.J. Simpson

After his 1995 acquittal, Simpson faced further legal troubles, including a 2007 incident in which he was convicted for his involvement in a Las Vegas hotel room altercation. He spent nine years in prison before being paroled in 2017. Despite his legal battles, Simpson maintained a low profile in Las Vegas, where he pursued hobbies like golf. His recent passing was attributed to cancer.

The Victims’ Families: Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson

The families of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson have continued to seek justice for the victims. Kim Goldman, Ron’s sister, has been active in victim advocacy and launched various podcasts. Fred Goldman, Ron’s father, has tirelessly pursued Simpson through civil courts to enforce a $33.5 million judgment.

Denise Brown, Nicole’s sister, has become a vocal advocate for victims of domestic violence, urging others to leave abusive relationships. She has distanced herself from Simpson and remains critical of him.

The Legal Dream Team

Members of Simpson’s defense team have had varied trajectories since the trial:

• Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr.: Passed away in 2005, Cochran’s famous line, If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit, became a national catchphrase. He expanded his law firm and even inspired a character on the TV show Seinfeld.
• Robert Kardashian: Passed away in 2003. His legal involvement with Simpson was overshadowed by his family’s later reality TV fame.
• Robert Shapiro: Continues to practice law and founded a foundation offering scholarships to sober youths.
• Barry Scheck: Co-founded The Innocence Project, dedicated to exonerating wrongly convicted individuals.
• F. Lee Bailey: Passed away in 2021, facing disbarment in multiple states for misconduct. He was known for his involvement in high-profile cases.
• Alan Dershowitz: A controversial figure, Dershowitz was involved in various legal cases post-trial, including representing President Donald Trump during his impeachment trial.

The Prosecutors

• Marcia Clark: Became a TV commentator and author after leaving law. She penned a memoir and crime novels.
• Chris Darden: Now a defense attorney, Darden has also taught law and authored books.

The Judge

• Lance Ito: Retired in 2015, Ito presided over numerous trials. He has maintained silence on the Simpson trial.

The Houseguest: Brian Kato Kaelin

Kaelin, known for his testimony during the trial, has since appeared in reality shows and minor acting roles.

As the legacy of the O.J. Simpson trial endures, the individuals involved continue their diverse paths, leaving a lasting imprint on legal history and popular culture.

[Correction: This article is based on information from The The Local News App.]

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