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. A discrepancy emerged between Officer Terrazas's written report 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
• A discrepancy surfaced between Officer Terrazas's written report and trial testimony regarding blood drops on the rear gate — his report documented one small drop, while he described approximately four in testimony
• Judge Fujisaki sustained a scope objection to questioning about Fuhrman's possible access to Nicole's condominium for the defense's glove-planting theory. He stated that there was no evidence of planting there or of Fuhrman being there; Baker disputed that rationale and cited testimony of Fuhrman entering the residence.