FBI Releases Nearly 500 Pages of O.J. Simpson Records
The FBI has made public almost 500 pages of documents related to O.J. Simpson, two months after his death. These records focus primarily on the 1994 criminal investigation into the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, identifying Simpson as a suspect.
Criminal and Civil Trials Overview
Simpson consistently claimed innocence and was acquitted in the highly publicized criminal trial. However, in a subsequent civil trial, he was found responsible for the deaths and was ordered to pay $33 million to the victims' families.
Forensic Evidence and Shoeprints
The FBI files detail the examination of forensic evidence, including fiber samples from the crime scene. A significant part of the records revolves around efforts to trace the purchase of Bruno Magli-style size 12 shoes, which were a crucial element in the trials.
An FBI expert testified in the criminal trial that "Simpson's shoe size matched the bloody shoeprints left behind at the scene of the murders" and that the prints pointed to the high-end Bruno Magli brand.
During the civil trial, Simpson denied ever wearing Bruno Magli shoes, but photos emerged showing him wearing the brand. The records contain notes, photos, and details of the FBI’s attempts to link Simpson to the purchase by contacting multiple stores selling Bruno Magli shoes.
Related
There is an upcoming Lifetime documentary about the life and legacy of Nicole Brown Simpson.
Author's summary: The newly released FBI documents deepen insight into the forensic investigation of the 1994 murders, highlighting efforts to connect Simpson to critical shoeprint evidence despite his denials.