A new docuseries, American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson, takes a deep dive into one of the most infamous trials in American history. More than 30 years after O.J. Simpson’s arrest for the brutal murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, the documentary re-examines the evidence, courtroom drama, and the broader discussions on domestic violence and race relations. The docuseries will be on Netflix.
Who was O.J. Simpson?
Orenthal James “O.J.” Simpson was a celebrated NFL star, actor, and broadcaster. Simpson first rose to fame as a record-breaking running back for the USC Trojans, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1968. He went on to play 11 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Buffalo Bills, where he became the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season. His achievements earned him a spot in both the College Football Hall of Fame (1983) and the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1985).
After retiring from football, Simpson transitioned into acting and sports broadcasting. He appeared in films, commercials, and TV shows, becoming a household name beyond sports. One of his most famous roles was in The Naked Gun, directed by David Zucker.
The legal trial of O.J. Simpson
As per the FBI records, the murder occurred on June 12, 1994, when Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman were found brutally murdered outside Nicole’s home in Los Angeles. Simpson quickly became a suspect due to his history of domestic violence against Nicole.
As police attempted to arrest him, Simpson led authorities on a slow-speed chase in a white Ford Bronco , a moment that was broadcast live by CNN. When the case went to trial, it became one of the most-watched events in television history.
After Simpson was arrested his trial started with his defence team, dubbed as the “Dream Team,” which included high-profile attorneys like Johnnie Cochran, Robert Shapiro, and Alan Dershowitz. They argued that Simpson was a victim of police misconduct and racial bias, questioning the reliability of the prosecution’s evidence including a bloody glove found at the crime scene.
Cochran’s line, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit,” became a defining moment in the trial when the gloves were proved to be smaller in size compared to Simpson’s hand.
Despite overwhelming evidence against him, Simpson was acquitted on October 3, 1995, after just four hours of jury deliberation. The verdict stunned the nation and caused racial division — many African Americans viewed the acquittal as a victory against a biased justice system, while most white Americans believed Simpson was guilty.
Although Simpson walked free in the criminal case, he was later found liable for the murders in a 1997 civil trial. The jury ordered Simpson to pay $33.5 million in damages to the victims’ families.
Simpson’s legal troubles continued in 2008 when he was convicted of armed robbery and kidnapping over a dispute involving sports memorabilia. He was sentenced to 33 years in prison but was granted parole in 2017.
A Case That Still Captivates
The O.J. Simpson trial is one of the most talked about cases in American history, influencing how true crime stories are covered in the media. The docuseries aims to cater this story for a younger audience, shedding new light on the impact and the unanswered questions.
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