Plaintiffs rested their case after Fred Goldman's emotional testimony about his son's unrealized dreams and potential, followed by exhibits 771 and 772 admitted into evidence. The defense immediately pivoted offense with lead detective Philip Vannatter as the first witness, subjecting him to a methodical, devastating cross-examination that exposed systematic failures in evidence collection, chain of custody violations, procedural shortcuts, and apparent bias. Multiple evidentiary disputes emerged over hearsay, tape completion, and polygraph admissibility, with the investigation itself becoming the focal point of attack.

• Fred Goldman testified as final plaintiff witness, describing Ron's life trajectory, restaurant dreams (ankh-shaped), and family grief via Bat Mitzvah video.
• Plaintiffs formally rested case after admitting exhibits 771 and 772.
• Detective Vannatter took stand as first defense witness and faced systematic cross-examination on investigative failures.
• Baker exposed Vannatter's five-hour delay contacting coroner and decision to leave blood-soaked crime scene to personally notify Simpson at Rockingham.
• Glove discovery timing questioned: 15-30 minute gap where Fuhrman was unaccounted for before allegedly finding it at Rockingham.
• Chain of custody violated: Vannatter personally transported Simpson's blood sample 18.7 miles to Rockingham instead of booking at Parker Center.
• Simpson's luggage at Rockingham never collected despite knife-murder investigation with suspect having cut hand.
• Vannatter admitted $115,000 book deal with Lange and stated under oath he believes Simpson guilty.
• Polygraph evidence ruled inadmissible by Fujisaki; contentious debate over Simpson taking one and whether defense opened door.