When was the American Manhunt: O. J Simpson chase? Details of the infamous 90-minute pursuit, explored

The O.J. Simpson case remains one of the most talked-about legal battles in American history. From the tragic events of June 12, 1994, to the sensational courtroom drama, and the infamous police chase of June 17, 1994, this case captivated the nation and left a lasting impact on both the legal system and popular culture.

American Manhunt: O. J Simpson will be released on January 29, 2025, on Netflix.

Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman were tragically killed near her home in Brentwood, Los Angeles. The neighbors, alerted by the sound of Brown’s dog barking, discovered the crime scene and immediately contacted the police. Both victims had been stabbed multiple times in a horrifying attack.

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O.J. Simpson as a suspect

Investigators quickly focused on O.J. Simpson, Nicole’s ex-husband, as a suspect. A blood-stained glove discovered at Simpson’s property and other forensic evidence connected him to the scene. Despite this, Simpson denied involvement. On June 17, 1994, he was formally charged with the murders.

Simpson's arrest didn't go as planned. Instead of turning himself in, he fled with his friend Al Cowlings in a white Ford Bronco. This led to a dramatic 90-minute police chase that was broadcast live across the country, drawing an audience of nearly 95 million people.

The pursuit ended at Simpson’s home in Brentwood, where he eventually surrendered.

The trial started on January 24, 1995, with Judge Lance Ito in charge. Lasting seven months, it became a media spectacle and was dubbed "The Trial of the Century."

Simpson’s defense team, nicknamed the "Dream Team," included high-profile lawyers like Robert Shapiro, Johnnie Cochran, and F. Lee Bailey. They faced off against prosecutors Marcia Clark, Christopher Darden, and William Hodgman, who relied heavily on DNA evidence, hair and fiber analysis, and a history of domestic violence.

The defense alleged racial bias by the LAPD, particularly Detective Mark Fuhrman. They argued that evidence was tampered with to frame Simpson, casting doubt on the prosecution’s case.

One of the trial’s most memorable moments occurred when Simpson was asked to try on the gloves found at the crime scene. When they appeared too small, Johnnie Cochran famously told the jury, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.”

On October 3, 1995, after just four hours of deliberation, the jury found O.J. Simpson not guilty of the murders. The decision divided public opinion, with many questioning the fairness of the trial and the role of race in the verdict.

While Simpson avoided criminal conviction, he faced a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the victims’ families. However, a civil jury found him guilty of the murders, and was ordered to pay $33.5 million in 1997.

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