The passing of O.J. Simpson elicited immediate reactions across the country on Thursday, reigniting interest in his infamous 1995 murder trial and evoking painful memories for families connected to the case. Simpson, acquitted of murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman in what was deemed the “trial of the century,” died at age 76 from cancer.
Fred Goldman, father of Ron Goldman, expressed his ongoing grief upon hearing the news. “The only thing I have to say is it’s just further reminder of Ron being gone all these years,” Fred Goldman said. “It’s no great loss to the world. It’s a further reminder of Ron’s being gone.”
Alan Dershowitz, a key member of Simpson’s legal defense team, reflected on the divisive trial and his relationship with Simpson. “I knew he was very sick, so I’m upset that he died,” Dershowitz shared.
Touching on Simpson’s passing he added, “I got to know him fairly well during the trial. It was one of the most divisive trials in American history along racial lines. He’ll always be remembered for the Bronco chase, for the glove, and for the moment of acquittal.”
In response to Simpson’s passing, Nicole Brown Simpson’s ex-boyfriend Keith Zlomsowitch described it as a “relief,” seeing it as a form of justice. “I think finally some sort of justice has been served, that he’s been taken from the earth,” Zlomsowitch remarked. “So it doesn’t bring Nicole back. But it means he can no longer be who he is in this world.”
Marcia Clark, the former lead prosecutor in Simpson’s murder case, offered condolences to Simpson’s family. Meanwhile, Caitlyn Jenner, formerly married to Kris Jenner, tweeted “Good Riddance” in response to the news.
Simpson, a former football star and actor, gained national fame before his trial. The Buffalo Bills, his longtime NFL team, did not immediately comment on Simpson’s passing.