The trial's substantive phase began with LAPD officers testifying about their initial discovery and preservation of the Bundy crime scene on June 12-13, 1994. The defense methodically cross-examined witnesses to establish gaps in Detective Fuhrman's documented movements and to challenge the reliability of police evidence handling, particularly regarding blood drops on the rear gate. Discrepancies emerged between officers' written reports and trial testimony, setting up a defense narrative questioning the integrity of evidence collection.

• Jury questionnaires partially released to media under First Amendment — blank and non-seated juror questionnaires released, but seated jurors' filled questionnaires sealed until trial's end
• First responding officers Riske and Terrazas testified about discovering two bodies, single glove at front, and blood evidence on rear gate
• Watch commander Rossi testified about case transfer to Robbery-Homicide Division and command structure on night of murders
• Defense identified approximately 30-minute gap in Fuhrman's documented movements during crime scene investigation
• Critical discrepancies surfaced between officers' written reports and trial testimony regarding blood drops on rear gate — documentation showed one drop, testimony described multiple
• Judge repeatedly sustained objections limiting defense cross-examination about whether evidence could have been planted or moved by detectives