The O.J. Simpson case, one of the most infamous criminal trials in American history, continues to captivate the public decades later. From the now-iconic white Ford Bronco chase along California's 405 freeway to the stirring courtroom moments like defense attorney Johnnie Cochran’s memorable phrase, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit,” the trial of Simpson for the brutal murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman became embedded in pop culture.
In October 1995, O.J. Simpson was acquitted of the murders, despite overwhelming evidence, including DNA linking him to the crime scene. The defense managed to cast doubt on much of the evidence, including blood found at the scene and in Simpson's car, suggesting it could have been planted. Fast-forward 30 years, and Netflix's four-part docuseries American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson, released on January 29, 2025, is revisiting the case. The series introduces previously undisclosed evidence, some of which was never presented at trial. In an interview with Time, director Floyd Russ says after considering the new revelations, “it’s pretty clear that he did it.”
OJ Simpson and Nicole Brown Simpson
The documentary uncovers evidence that was not collected by police, including a bloody fingerprint on the back gate of Nicole’s Los Angeles home. Other overlooked items include torn-open medical supplies in a cabinet, an empty knife box by the bathtub, a smear of blood on a light switch, and freshly cleaned clothes in her washing machine. According to the series, all of these were crucial pieces of evidence, yet were ignored or mishandled.
In addition to the missed evidence, the docuseries also features testimonies from two individuals who interacted with O.J. the night of the murders, but were never called to testify in court. Jill Shively, a motorist, recalls seeing a frantic O.J. Simpson run a red light near the crime scene and yell at her from his Bronco. Though she later participated in a TV interview, prosecutors dismissed her account, arguing that her testimony had been compromised. Meanwhile, Skip Junis, who saw O.J. at LAX, describes observing the former NFL star moving what appeared to be a long object from a duffel bag into a trash can. Junis believes that he may have witnessed O.J. disposing of the murder weapon, which was never recovered.
Looking back on the case, director Floyd Russ emphasizes how many critical mistakes were made. “The lawyers, the police, in hindsight, all say ‘Massive mistakes were made. These people should have been called,’” he shares. Ultimately, Russ reflects, “This is a story filled with a lot of grief and almost no happy endings.”
With American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson now streaming on Netflix, viewers are once again being invited to reconsider one of the most controversial trials in history, as new evidence and untold stories emerge.
