Opening statements commenced in the civil trial, with the plaintiff side methodically presenting its comprehensive case across three locations: the Bundy crime scene, Simpson's Bronco, and Rockingham estate. Petrocelli's multi-part opening detailed blood, DNA, hair, fibers, gloves, and shoe print evidence, supported by overwhelming statistical matches and bolstered by consciousness of guilt evidence from June 17. Secondary counsel emphasized domestic violence motive and additional flight behavior. The plaintiff preemptively addressed expected defense contamination and planting arguments through chain of custody analysis. The Fuhrman testimony admissibility issue remained unresolved and continued to create friction over opening statement bounds.

• Fujisaki postpones ruling on Fuhrman criminal testimony admissibility, ordering further briefing from both sides.
• Bruno Magli shoe contradiction revealed in opening: Simpson denied owning these shoes in February 1996 deposition, but FBI-authenticated September 1993 photograph shows him wearing them.
• DNA evidence presented with overwhelming statistics across all three locations, with matches as high as 1-in-57-billion probability to Simpson.
• Consciousness of guilt evidence detailed: missing dark bag, Chicago trip behavior, contradictory hand-cut statements, attempted coaching of Kato Kaelin, June 17 flight with cash, passport, and loaded gun.
• Aris leather gloves definitively traced to Bloomingdale's purchase by Nicole; chain of custody established from scene collection.
• Kelly's opening for Brown estate emphasizes domestic violence motive, detailing 1989 New Year's Day beating and pattern of abuse leading to murder.
• Brewer's opening for Rufo focuses entirely on June 17 consciousness of guilt evidence: Bronco chase, suicide note, disguise, and flight.
• Baker disputes Petrocelli's opening references to Fuhrman and argues for expanded defense access; Fujisaki denies motion and maintains prior gag order.