📂 Wednesday, November 13, 1996 — Day 14
◀ Civil Trial
📅 Wednesday, November 13, 1996 14 proceedings 1822 lines
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C:\DEPT103\CIVIL\1996\NOV\13
TRIAL
▲ Day 14 of 57

Day 14 — Wednesday, November 13, 1996

Judge Bars Statistics as Fiber Evidence Links Simpson to Crime Scene
Judge Hiroshi Fujisaki • Civil Trial • 14 proceedings • 1822 lines
tense

The jury heard extensive fiber and trace evidence from FBI expert Douglas Deedrick, including testimony that fibers on Goldman's clothing matched fibers on the two gloves and Bundy hat, while carpet fibers on the hat and Rockingham glove matched Simpson's Bronco. However, Judge Fujisaki barred Deedrick from presenting statistical probability evidence, ruling that attaching numbers to circumstantial evidence created prejudicial 'patina.' The defense mounted a vigorous attack on Deedrick's methodology and claimed he failed to disclose exculpatory findings, while DNA expert Robin Cotton explained foundational DNA testing methods and then presented Cellmark results matching Simpson's DNA type at Bundy and Rockingham locations.

  • Judge Fujisaki excluded carpet fiber statistical analysis (six in 100,000 frequency) under Evidence Code 352, finding it prejudicial
  • FBI fiber expert Deedrick testified that distinctive carpet fibers found on the Bundy hat and Rockingham glove matched carpet samples from Simpson's Bronco
  • Defense cross-examination attacked Deedrick over Negroid hairs in the knit cap inconsistent with Simpson and elicited his admission that secondary transfer could explain all of his conclusions
  • DNA expert Dr. Robin Cotton explained RFLP and PCR methods and then testified that Cellmark results placed Simpson's DNA type at five Bundy walkway drops and Rockingham driveway and foyer drops, with RFLP frequencies as rare as 1 in 1.2 billion
Day 14 • 14 proceedings • 1822 lines
Civil Trial
Department 103
📂 Day 14 — NOV 13, 1996
NOV 13, 1996