📂 Thursday, November 14, 1996 — Day 15
◀ Civil Trial
📅 Thursday, November 14, 1996 31 proceedings 2301 utterances
Address:
C:\DEPT103\CIVIL\1996\NOV\14
TRIAL
▲ Day 15 of 57

Day 15 — Thursday, November 14, 1996

Three DNA Experts Face Systematic Defense Assault
Judge Hiroshi Fujisaki • Civil Trial • 31 proceedings • 2301 utterances
tense

Three DNA experts—Robin Cotton, Renee Montgomery, and Gary Alan Sims—testified about comprehensive DNA evidence linking Simpson to the crime scenes, victim possessions, and his Bronco. Defense attorney Blasier systematically attacked the reliability of DNA testing, emphasizing RFLP limitations, documented lab error rates of 1 in 50, and the fact that no Simpson DNA appeared on either victim's clothing. The day featured intense technical cross-examination challenging both methodology and the astronomical statistical frequencies plaintiff's counsel relied upon.

  • Robin Cotton testified that sock blood was well-preserved and almost certainly did not originate from Nicole's autopsy sample, undermining the contamination defense
  • Blasier established that only 3 of 10 RFLP bands were identical yet all counted equally toward statistical match frequencies
  • Defense showed Cellmark's documented 1-in-50 lab error rate could swamp Cotton's astronomical statistical conclusions
  • Unidentified DNA contributor discovered in Bronco steering wheel stain (item 29), complicating Simpson's exclusive connection to the vehicle
  • Nicole's reference sample contained a faint B allele matching OJ Simpson's type, raising questions about sample integrity
  • Renee Montgomery admitted D1S80 testing is relatively new and not highly discriminating, with population alleles ~30% common
  • No objective standards exist for distinguishing 'hint' from 'trace' in DNA analysis—a distinction determining inclusion or exclusion
  • Critically, no blood consistent with Simpson was found on either victim's clothing despite DNA evidence everywhere else
  • Simpson's DNA on the Rockingham glove appeared only in the wrist area, not on fingers or palm where a killer would grip
  • Judge acknowledged making an off-hand comment appearing to signal bias against the defense and agreed to apologize to the jury
Day 15 • 31 proceedings • 2301 utterances
Civil Trial
Department 103
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📂 Day 15 — NOV 14, 1996
NOV 14, 1996 KRT DvH TD