O.J. Simpson was a former NFL star whose criminal cases became some of the most widely discussed legal proceedings in American history. He was acquitted of murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman, in 1995. However, a separate civil jury found him liable for their deaths in 1997. More than a decade later, Simpson was convicted of robbery, kidnapping, and related offenses in Nevada, leading to a prison sentence of nine to 33 years.
Simpson challenged his Nevada convictions through a direct criminal appeal and subsequent post-conviction proceedings, but the Nevada Supreme Court rejected his attempts to obtain a new trial. He was released on parole in 2017 and died on April 10, 2024, at age 76.
Interest in the case has resurfaced following the November 1, 2026, premiere of Peacock’s OJ’s Accomplice, a documentary examining allegations that another person may have helped Simpson in connection with the 1994 murders.
The history of Simpson’s criminal cases raises several distinct legal questions: Why was he acquitted of murder but later found liable in civil court? What crimes sent him to prison? Why did his appeals fail while his co-defendant obtained relief? And how do criminal appeals differ from post-conviction proceedings? Read below to learn the details.
What Did O.J. Simpson Do?
Orenthal James Simpson, commonly known as O.J. Simpson, was an American football player, actor, and television personality. He played in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.
His public reputation changed dramatically after the June 12, 1994, murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman in Los Angeles.
Simpson was charged with both murders, and the resulting criminal trial attracted extensive national attention. On October 3, 1995, a jury acquitted him.
Although the criminal case ended without a conviction, litigation over the killings continued. In 1997, Simpson was found liable in a separate civil lawsuit brought by the victims’ families.
Years later, an unrelated incident in Las Vegas resulted in Simpson’s imprisonment. In 2008, a Nevada jury convicted him of multiple offenses connected to an armed confrontation over sports memorabilia.
| NOTE These proceedings are important to distinguish because Simpson’s murder acquittal, civil liability judgment, and Nevada criminal conviction involved different legal decisions and consequences. |
What Happened in the O.J. Simpson Murder Case?
On June 12, 1994, Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman were found stabbed to death outside Nicole’s residence in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Investigators focused on Simpson, who had previously been married to Nicole. On June 17, 1994, police pursued a white Ford Bronco carrying Simpson during a nationally televised, low-speed chase. Simpson later surrendered and was charged with both murders.
His trial began with jury selection in November 1994, followed by opening statements in January 1995. Prosecutors presented forensic evidence, witness testimony, and arguments concerning Simpson’s relationship with his former wife.
The defense challenged the prosecution’s evidence, questioned the handling of forensic materials, and raised concerns about police conduct and potential contamination.
After months of testimony, the jury returned not-guilty verdicts on October 3, 1995.
Why Was O.J. Simpson Found Not Guilty of Murder?
O.J. Simpson was found not guilty because the prosecution did not obtain a unanimous jury verdict establishing his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
In a criminal trial, the government must prove every required element of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense does not have to prove that the defendant is innocent.
Several issues became central to the trial:
- DNA and forensic evidence: Prosecutors relied heavily on blood evidence, while defense attorneys challenged evidence collection, preservation, and testing procedures.
- The glove evidence: Simpson was asked to try on gloves resembling those connected to the investigation. The demonstration became a significant part of the defense’s argument.
- Police credibility: The defense questioned the conduct and credibility of investigating officers, including Detective Mark Fuhrman.
- Reasonable doubt: Defense attorneys argued that problems with the prosecution’s evidence prevented a reliable finding of guilt.
These issues help explain the competing arguments presented at trial. However, the jury did not issue a detailed explanation identifying which arguments determined its verdict.
| NOTE A not-guilty verdict means the prosecution failed to establish guilt under the applicable criminal standard. It does not constitute a judicial finding identifying who committed the murders. |
Was O.J. Simpson Guilty or Not Guilty?
The answer depends on which proceeding is being discussed.
In the 1995 criminal murder trial, Simpson was found not guilty. The jury acquitted him of murdering Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.
In the 1997 civil trial, Simpson was found liable for their deaths. A civil jury awarded the victims’ families $33.5 million.
The difference arises partly from the burden of proof.
Criminal prosecutors must establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In an ordinary civil wrongful-death case, liability is generally determined under the lower preponderance-of-the-evidence standard.
Therefore, a person may be acquitted in a criminal prosecution but found liable in a civil action arising from the same events.
Civil judgments can also be challenged through appellate proceedings. Unlike criminal appeals, which address criminal judgments and sentences, civil appeals concern reviewable errors in civil court decisions, including judgments involving liability and damages.
Why Did O.J. Simpson Go to Prison?
O.J. Simpson went to prison because of his conviction in a separate 2007 Las Vegas robbery and kidnapping case, not because of the 1994 murders.
On September 13, 2007, Simpson and several other men entered a hotel room at the Palace Station hotel-casino in Las Vegas. The confrontation involved sports memorabilia dealers Bruce Fromong and Alfred Beardsley.
Simpson maintained that he was attempting to recover personal belongings and memorabilia that had been taken from him. However, the prosecution argued that the group used threats and firearms to take property from the dealers.
The incident led to criminal charges involving robbery, kidnapping, conspiracy, and other offenses.
What Was O.J. Simpson Convicted Of in 2008?
On October 3, 2008, exactly 13 years after his murder acquittal, a Nevada jury found Simpson guilty of multiple felony offenses.
The convictions involved charges including:
- Robbery with the use of a deadly weapon.
- Kidnapping.
- Assault with a deadly weapon.
- Burglary.
- Criminal conspiracy.
Simpson was convicted alongside Clarence “C.J.” Stewart, who also participated in the incident.
On December 5, 2008, Clark County District Court Judge Jackie Glass sentenced Simpson to a prison term of nine to 33 years.
The sentencing was based on the Nevada convictions, not on the earlier California murder allegations.
How Long Was O.J. Simpson in Prison?
O.J. Simpson served approximately nine years in Nevada state prison. He was incarcerated at Lovelock Correctional Center in northern Nevada, where he remained while pursuing appeals and other legal challenges.
His prison sentence allowed parole eligibility after nine years, although eligibility did not guarantee release.
On July 20, 2017, the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners voted to grant Simpson parole. He was released from prison on October 1, 2017, after serving the minimum portion of his sentence.
Simpson remained under parole supervision until December 1, 2021, when his supervision ended early. His release was therefore the result of a parole decision, not a ruling overturning his Nevada criminal convictions.
Did O.J. Simpson Appeal His Conviction?
Yes. O.J. Simpson challenged his 2008 Nevada convictions through a direct criminal appeal and later post-conviction proceedings.
His appeals raised questions about the fairness of the trial, alleged procedural errors, the evidence supporting the verdict, and the effectiveness of his defense attorneys.
The Nevada Supreme Court rejected both his direct appeal in 2010 and his subsequent post-conviction appeal in 2015.
These proceedings demonstrate an important distinction in appellate law: challenging a conviction requires identifying legally reviewable errors, not simply asking another court to reconsider whether the defendant should have been found guilty.
What Happened in O.J. Simpson’s 2010 Criminal Appeal?
On October 22, 2010, the Nevada Supreme Court upheld Simpson’s convictions arising from the Las Vegas robbery case.
His attorneys raised several objections to the criminal proceedings, including allegations concerning jury selection, judicial conduct, witness testimony, and the sufficiency of evidence supporting certain convictions.
Among the arguments considered were claims that prosecutors improperly excluded prospective Black jurors and that the trial judge’s conduct affected the fairness of the proceedings.
The Nevada Supreme Court reviewed the challenges but concluded that Simpson had not established grounds requiring reversal.
As a result, his criminal convictions and sentence remained in effect.
The decision illustrates the central function of a criminal appeal. An appellate court generally reviews the existing trial record to determine whether the lower court committed legal or procedural errors warranting relief.
It does not automatically conduct another trial or reconsider every factual dispute presented to the jury.
At Brownstone Law, criminal appeals lawyers examine trial records, preserved objections, evidentiary rulings, constitutional issues, sentencing decisions, and the applicable standards of review to assess whether a conviction or sentence can be challenged.
Why Was O.J. Simpson’s Co-Defendant’s Conviction Overturned?
One of the most significant developments in Simpson’s 2010 appeal was the different outcome reached for his co-defendant, Clarence “C.J.” Stewart.
Although both men were convicted in the same Nevada criminal trial, the Nevada Supreme Court reversed Stewart’s conviction while affirming Simpson’s.
Stewart had argued that being tried alongside Simpson prevented him from receiving a fair trial because of Simpson’s extraordinary public notoriety.
The Nevada Supreme Court concluded that the trial court had abused its discretion by denying Stewart’s request for a separate trial and that the error prejudiced his case.
The court consequently ordered a new trial for Stewart.
Stewart later entered a plea agreement involving robbery and conspiracy charges rather than proceeding through another full trial. This difference in outcomes demonstrates that appellate courts evaluate the particular errors affecting each defendant.
A trial error may justify reversing one defendant’s conviction without establishing that another defendant’s conviction must also be overturned.
A successful appeal also does not necessarily establish innocence or terminate the criminal prosecution. Depending on the grounds for reversal, the case may return to the lower court for another trial or other proceedings.
For a closer explanation, read What Happens When a Conviction Is Overturned?
Why Did O.J. Simpson Seek Post-Conviction Relief?
After his direct appeal failed, Simpson pursued a separate post-conviction challenge involving allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel.
In May 2012, he filed a post-conviction petition for a writ of habeas corpus in Nevada state court.
His claims focused partly on the representation provided by his trial attorneys, including Yale Galanter and Gabriel Grasso. Simpson alleged that his legal representation was deficient and raised concerns involving alleged conflicts of interest and decisions made during the defense.
Following evidentiary hearings, the district court denied his request for relief in November 2013.
Simpson appealed that decision, but the Nevada Supreme Court affirmed the denial on September 10, 2015.
Why Did the Nevada Supreme Court Reject His Post-Conviction Appeal?
The Nevada Supreme Court rejected O.J. Simpson’s post-conviction appeal because the court concluded that Simpson had not established the requirements necessary to obtain relief based on his claims of ineffective assistance of counsel.
Such claims generally require the convicted person to establish two elements under Strickland v. Washington:
- Deficient performance: The attorney’s representation fell below an objective standard of reasonable professional assistance.
- Prejudice: There was a reasonable probability that, without the attorney’s deficient performance, the proceeding would have produced a different result.
A defendant’s disagreement with an attorney’s strategy is not, by itself, sufficient to prove ineffective assistance.
In Simpson’s case, the Nevada Supreme Court rejected the arguments supporting his request for a new trial and left his convictions intact.
How Is Post-Conviction Relief Different From a Criminal Appeal?
Simpson’s proceedings illustrate why a direct criminal appeal and a post-conviction petition serve different purposes.
| Direct Criminal Appeal | Post-Conviction Relief |
|---|---|
| Generally reviews alleged errors reflected in the trial record. | May address eligible claims requiring additional evidence or factual development. |
| Often concerns evidentiary rulings, jury instructions, constitutional issues, or sentencing errors. | May concern ineffective assistance of counsel, qualifying new evidence, or other recognized grounds. |
| Reviews an appealable judgment or order under applicable appellate rules. | Follows a separate procedure governed by state or federal post-conviction law. |
| May result in affirmance, reversal, modification, or remand. | May result in relief such as vacating a conviction or sentence, a new trial, or denial of the petition. |
Both procedures have specific filing requirements, legal standards, and limitations.
Brownstone Law’s post-conviction relief attorneys evaluate qualifying claims involving ineffective assistance, constitutional violations, newly discovered evidence, and other grounds permitted under applicable law.
An unsuccessful post-conviction petition does not necessarily mean every form of further review is available or foreclosed. The next steps depend on the court’s decision and the applicable procedural rules.
Related reading: What Happens When Post-Conviction Relief Is Denied?.
Was O.J. Simpson’s Appeal a State or Federal Appeal?
Simpson’s direct appeal and the post-conviction proceedings discussed above took place within the Nevada state court system because his 2008 conviction arose from charges prosecuted under Nevada law.
The distinction between state and federal appellate proceedings matters because the appropriate reviewing court depends on the court that entered the judgment and the legal procedure being pursued.
For example:
- State criminal appeal: A defendant convicted in a Nevada state court ordinarily seeks direct review through the Nevada appellate system under applicable state rules.
- Federal criminal appeal: A defendant convicted in a U.S. district court generally appeals to the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals.
- Federal habeas corpus: A person in custody under a state judgment may, after satisfying applicable requirements, pursue qualifying federal constitutional claims through a petition under 28 U.S.C. § 2254.
Federal habeas corpus is not an unrestricted second appeal from a state conviction. It involves separate requirements concerning exhaustion of state remedies, filing deadlines, procedural defaults, and the federal court’s authority to grant relief.
Brownstone Law handles both state and federal appellate matters. Its federal appeals lawyers represent clients challenging federal criminal and civil judgments, including reviewable constitutional, evidentiary, procedural, and sentencing issues.
Is O.J. Simpson Dead? Where Is He Now?
Yes. O.J. Simpson died on April 10, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of 76.
His family announced his death following a battle with cancer, and his death was attributed to prostate cancer.
Simpson had already been released from prison several years earlier. After leaving Lovelock Correctional Center in October 2017, he lived in Las Vegas. His parole supervision ended in December 2021.
He was not in prison when he died.
Although his criminal proceedings had ended, public interest in the 1994 murders continued, with subsequent documentaries and investigations revisiting evidence and allegations from the original case.
What Does the New OJ’s Accomplice Documentary Reveal?
On November 1, 2026, Peacock premiered the two-part documentary OJ’s Accomplice on its U.S. streaming platform, renewing public attention to the 1994 murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.
The documentary reexamines the 1994 investigation and explores the possibility that another individual may have been involved in events surrounding the killings.
According to Peacock’s description, the production includes interviews with people connected to the original investigation and trial, including former investigators, members of Simpson’s defense team, Kato Kaelin, and Nicole Brown Simpson’s sister, Tanya Brown.
The documentary also presents eyewitness accounts and material that its producers describe as previously unreported.
However, allegations presented in a documentary must be distinguished from findings established in court.
Simpson’s 1995 acquittal remains the outcome of his criminal murder trial. The documentary’s claims do not change that verdict, nor do they establish the criminal responsibility of any alleged accomplice.
Can New Evidence Reopen the O.J. Simpson Murder Case?
New evidence does not ordinarily allow prosecutors to retry a defendant for the same criminal offense after a final acquittal.
Under the Fifth Amendment’s Double Jeopardy Clause, an acquitted defendant is generally protected against another prosecution for the same offense by the same sovereign.
Simpson’s death also makes the prospect of further criminal prosecution against him moot.
The legal position of a different suspected participant would be separate. If authorities obtained sufficient admissible evidence identifying another person who allegedly participated in the murders, a prosecution of that individual would depend on the applicable law, evidence, and procedural circumstances.
This differs from a situation in which a convicted person successfully appeals and obtains a reversal because of trial error. In certain circumstances, the prosecution may conduct another trial following such a reversal.
Read Brownstone Law’s explanation of double jeopardy and when a defendant can be tried again for more about these distinctions.
What Can the O.J. Simpson Cases Tell Us About Criminal Appeals?
The legal history of O.J. Simpson demonstrates that the outcome of a criminal case depends not only on the allegations but also on the applicable burden of proof, trial procedures, preserved legal issues, and standards governing appellate review.
His 1995 murder acquittal established that the prosecution had not obtained a criminal conviction. The later civil judgment involved a different legal standard, while the 2008 Nevada convictions arose from entirely separate conduct.
His unsuccessful appeals also show that a conviction is not reversed simply because the defendant identifies disagreements with trial strategy or challenges the jury’s conclusions. A legally sufficient basis for relief must be established.
At the same time, the reversal of C.J. Stewart’s conviction shows how a court may find a prejudicial error affecting one defendant even when another defendant’s conviction is upheld.
For individuals considering an appeal, these distinctions make careful examination of the trial record, applicable law, procedural history, and available remedies essential.
Discuss a Criminal Appeal With Brownstone Law
Brownstone Law focuses on appellate representation in state and federal courts, including criminal appeals and post-conviction matters.
Its attorneys evaluate trial court records, identify potentially reviewable errors, research applicable legal standards, and prepare appellate briefs and related filings. Where appropriate, the firm also assesses further appellate review and available post-conviction remedies.
If you are considering an appeal of a criminal conviction or sentence, contact Brownstone Law to discuss your case and the applicable appellate options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Did O.J. Simpson kill his wife?
O.J. Simpson was accused of murdering his former wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman, in June 1994. A criminal jury found him not guilty of both murders in October 1995. However, a separate civil jury found him liable for their deaths in 1997. No criminal conviction for the killings was entered against Simpson.
Q2. Did O.J. Simpson ever confess to the murders?
O.J. Simpson did not make a formal confession establishing his guilt in the 1994 murders. He maintained his innocence during the criminal proceedings. His controversial book, If I Did It, presented a hypothetical account of the killings, but its publication was not a criminal conviction or a judicial finding of guilt.
Q3. Why was O.J. Simpson found not guilty?
O.J. Simpson was acquitted on October 3, 1995, because the jury did not find him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. His defense challenged forensic evidence, police credibility, and investigative procedures. The jury returned not-guilty verdicts without issuing a detailed explanation identifying the particular arguments that determined its decision.
Q4. Did O.J. Simpson go to jail for murder?
No. Simpson was acquitted of the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman in 1995. He later went to prison for an unrelated Nevada criminal conviction involving robbery, kidnapping, and other offenses connected to a 2007 incident in Las Vegas.
Q5. What did O.J. Simpson go to prison for?
O.J. Simpson went to prison following his 2008 conviction for robbery, kidnapping, conspiracy, and related offenses arising from an armed confrontation with sports memorabilia dealers in Las Vegas. He received a sentence of nine to 33 years and served approximately nine years before being released on parole in 2017.
Q6. How long was the O.J. Simpson murder trial?
The O.J. Simpson murder trial lasted approximately 11 months from jury selection in November 1994 to the verdict on October 3, 1995. Opening statements began in January 1995, followed by months of testimony, forensic evidence, and arguments from the prosecution and defense.
Q7. Was O.J. Simpson’s conviction overturned?
No. The Nevada Supreme Court upheld Simpson’s criminal convictions in 2010 and rejected his subsequent post-conviction challenge in 2015. His co-defendant, C.J. Stewart, obtained a reversal because the appellate court determined that denying him a separate trial had prejudiced his case.
Q8. Did O.J. Simpson die in prison?
No. Simpson was released from Lovelock Correctional Center on October 1, 2017, after serving approximately nine years. His parole supervision ended in December 2021. He died in Las Vegas on April 10, 2024, at age 76, following a battle with prostate cancer.
Q9. Who killed Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman?
Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman were murdered on June 12, 1994. O.J. Simpson was charged with both murders but acquitted in 1995. A civil jury subsequently found him liable for their deaths. No person was criminally convicted of the two murders, and later allegations concerning other individuals have not established criminal responsibility in court.
Q10. Can a criminal conviction be appealed after the defendant has been sentenced?
Yes. A criminal conviction or sentence may generally be challenged through an authorized direct appeal, subject to the applicable filing deadline and procedural requirements. Certain claims may also qualify for separate post-conviction review. An appeal must identify a legally reviewable issue; disagreement with the verdict or sentence alone is not sufficient.
Q11. Can a person be retried after a successful criminal appeal?
Yes, but only sometimes a person can be retried after a successful criminal appeal. When an appellate court overturns a conviction because of qualifying trial errors, prosecutors may be permitted to retry the defendant. However, reversal based on legally insufficient evidence generally bars another prosecution for the same offense under double jeopardy principles. The appellate court’s ruling and the reason for reversal determine which proceedings are permitted.
