📂 Friday, November 8, 1996 — Day 12
◀ Civil Trial
📅 Friday, November 8, 1996 15 proceedings 1314 lines 💬 1 sidebar
Address:
C:\DEPT103\CIVIL\1996\NOV\8
TRIAL
▲ Day 12 of 57

Day 12 — Friday, November 8, 1996

Forensic Expert Testifies Simpson's Wounds Link Him to Crime
Judge Hiroshi Fujisaki • Civil Trial • 15 proceedings • 1314 lines
tense

Plaintiffs presented Dr. Werner Spitz, a leading forensic pathologist, who provided detailed testimony about the sequence and mechanics of both victims' wounds, estimating Nicole's altercation at less than 15 seconds and Goldman's struggle at around a minute, give or take. Spitz identified marks on Simpson's hands that he said were consistent with a victim trying to break free from a restraining hold. The defense aggressively cross-examined Spitz, attacking his credibility through his high fees and lack of preparation, while highlighting that DNA found under Nicole's fingernails matched no known person at the crime scene.

  • Dr. Werner Spitz, author of the leading forensic pathology textbook with 43 years experience, testifies for plaintiffs about detailed wound analysis
  • Dr. Spitz identifies several wounds on Simpson's hands as fingernail marks consistent with a victim trying to break free from a restraining hold
  • Spitz concludes Ron Goldman's fatal aorta wound caused massive internal bleeding with minimal external blood—meaning little would transfer to the assailant
  • Defense attorney Baker attacks Spitz's credibility, highlighting his $3,000/day fee and lack of written case notes
  • Baker scores significant point: the only DNA found under a victim's fingernail matched no known person at the crime scene
  • Multiple disputes over admissibility of autopsy photographs and demonstrative evidence during the day
Day 12 • 15 proceedings • 1314 lines
Civil Trial
Department 103
📂 Day 12 — NOV 8, 1996
NOV 8, 1996