Knife reportedly found on former O.J. Simpson property is being tested by LAPD

[Teddy B 17,251]

Even though OJ can't be retried for this crime it would be some consolation to finally find some proof that he did in fact do it.

In another twist in the long-running O.J. Simpson saga, Los Angeles police are investigating and testing a knife that was reportedly recovered on property once owned by the former football star.

The elite Robbery-Homicide Division is investigating a buck knife now in the department's possession.

The knife was apparently turned over to a police officer a number of years ago by a person doing construction work at the property, a law enforcement source said.

At a press conference at LAPD Headquarters Friday morning, Capt. Andrew Neiman said the officer was a traffic cop and was working on a movie set when he was given the knife.

Detectives learned of the knife's existence more recently, and are now investigating where it came from, according to police, who cautioned that the investigation is still in its early stages.

Attorney Carl Douglas -- a member of O.J. Simpson's legal "dream team" that secured his 1995 acquittal in the deaths of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman -- on Friday called the story "ridiculous."

"It's amazing how the world cannot move on from this case!" Douglas said. "And it, and the media, is apparently still fascinated by everything O.J. Simpson."

Douglas said he remembers that "there were indications that two different knives may have been used. One with a straight edge, and one with a serrated edge." But he cautioned that people sometimes will do anything for 15 minutes of fame.

The officer who had the knife was retiring and apparently informed robbery-homicide detectives of the weapon's existence in the last few months. A detective with the Los Angeles Police Department informed superiors, who immediately launched an investigation into the knife's history and ordered a series of forensic tests to determine whether it had any connection with the June 12, 1994, murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Goldman.

Finding the knife that killed the two had been an obsession of police and others in the wake of the murders.

Authorities searched for the murder weapon for months after the slayings, and there have been many leads that went cold.

A 15-inch knife with a retractable blade that Simpson purchased at Ross Cutlery in downtown Los Angeles briefly tantalized prosecutors in his criminal trial. They thought it might be the murder weapon, and even asked a coroner to compare that type of blade with the slicing and stabbing wounds of the victims. The fact that no one could locate the knife only added to the intrigue.

But the defense produced the knife -- in an envelope that became known as the "mystery envelope" in the preliminary hearing. Forensic tests later revealed that the knife was in pristine condition, with no scratches or bloodstains to suggest it had been used in the vicious double homicide.

Prosecutors in Simpson's criminal trial never introduced it as evidence.

In 1994, a woman discovered a kitchen knife smeared with red stains less than a block from Simpson's home.

A blood-soaked glove that police believed was used during the killings was found at Simpson's house. But whether it fit Simpson's hand became a famously debated point during the trial.

A jury found Simpson not guilty of the murders in October 1995.

When the new owners of Simpson's Brentwood estate decided to raze it in 1998, a man involved in the construction joked in an interview with the Los Angeles Times: "We haven't found the knife yet."

The existence of the latest knife was first reported by TMZ.

Whether the knife is found to be connected to the murders or not, it will likely have little impact on Simpson's legal future.

Attorney Dmitry Gorin, a former prosecutor, said once a person has been acquitted on murder by a jury, it’s double jeopardy. The person cannot be tried for the same crime.

“You can’t be prosecuted again,” he said.

The only exception is in federal court, Gorin said. But in that case, federal prosecutors would need to have a federal question that applies to a particular case.

In the O.J. Simpson case, Gorin said he doesn’t see any situation in which a federal question would arise.

“It’s very strange this is happening,” he said

Gorin said he doesn’t understand why anybody would withhold evidence, and not immediately come forward with it.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-knife-found-on-o-j-simpson-property-being-tested-by-lapd-20160304-story.html

Edited March 4, 2016 by Teddy B

[Expat1 971]

[ExPatty 502]

Not sure if there is anything here given it was found years ago, but OJ does seem to have been guilty of murder.

[TBoneTX 43,435]

With no potential benefit to an investigation, one must ask: don't the police have anything better to do?

[Transborderwife 4,666]

This is all a bit too convenient with the FX series on him happening and all

[Teddy B 17,251]

With no potential benefit to an investigation, one must ask: don't the police have anything better to do?

Might have no benefit to the criminal aspect, but I'm sure it would help give some closure to the families of the victims if it could be definitively said that OJ did commit the crime.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Might have no benefit to the criminal aspect, but I'm sure it would help give some closure to the families of the victims if it could be definitively said that OJ did commit the crime.

The goldmans are basically set for life but still so damaged. They know OJ had a hand in it. I do wonder if this would change anything for them. I think until he admits it it won't.

[Janelle2002 3,865]

With no potential benefit to an investigation, one must ask: don't the police have anything better to do?

Nothing wrong with being sure. The family deserves it

[Dave-n-Oksana 49]

With no potential benefit to an investigation, one must ask: don't the police have anything better to do?

Since the murders are still "unsolved" it is considered an active investigation. It may prove or disprove that it is the murder weapon and if it is the weapon, may tell us who the actual murderer is. If it is OJ, it will allow the police to close the case, but not dispense judgement for the crime.

-edited for crimes of grammar

Edited March 4, 2016 by Dave-n-Oksana

[khwaidee1 196]

Even if it is the knife, just because it was buried on OJ's property doesn't mean he did it. Let's not rush to judgment now.

[The Nature Boy 7,659]

I guess since OJ walked by playing the race card, and he enjoyed broad support in the black community, I think proving it was not a racist conspiracy by the LA PD, might be prudent

[Expat1 971]

I think Trump should try on those gloves