Plaintiffs rested their case, subject to stated reservations to present responsive evidence and call Alfred Acosta, after Fred Goldman's emotional testimony about his son's unrealized dreams and potential and the admission of exhibits 771 and 772. The defense then examined Detective Philip Vannatter, with Baker methodically challenging his crime-scene practices, evidence handling, investigative decisions, and credibility. Multiple evidentiary disputes emerged over hearsay, tape completion, and polygraph admissibility, while the investigation became the defense examination's principal focus.

• Fred Goldman testified as final plaintiff witness, describing Ron's life trajectory, restaurant dreams (ankh-shaped), and family grief via Bat Mitzvah video.
• Plaintiffs rested after exhibits 771 and 772 were admitted, while reserving the right to present responsive evidence and call Alfred Acosta.
• 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.
• Vannatter was uncertain how long Fuhrman was out of his sight before reporting the Rockingham glove, agreeing that 15–30 minutes was possible.
• Baker challenged Vannatter's decision to personally transport Simpson's blood sample 18.7 miles to Rockingham instead of booking it at Parker Center.
• Baker questioned the failure to collect Simpson's luggage at Rockingham and Vannatter's failure to thoroughly inspect Simpson's hands at Parker Center.
• 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.