O.J. Simpson Not Guilty Verdict Sparks Historic Media Impact

The O.J. Simpson murder trial, concluding with a not-guilty verdict on October 3, 1995, captivated a global audience and remains a defining moment in American legal and cultural history. Lead detective Tom Lange, who handled the case, revealed that significant evidence against Simpson was never presented at trial, including witness testimonies such as Jill Shively's sighting of Simpson's erratic driving near the murder scene. The trial sparked intense national debate on issues of race, celebrity, and justice, with over 100 million people watching the verdict live, generating Super Bowl-like TV ratings. Brian 'Kato' Kaelin, a minor prosecution witness who lived in Simpson's guest house, also became a household name, providing testimony that challenged Simpson's account. Simpson was later found liable in a civil trial and ordered to pay millions to the victims' families; he died in April 2024. The trial's legacy continues to influence discussions on the criminal justice system, media influence, and racial divisions in America.