Opening statements commenced with prosecutors Christopher Darden and Marcia Clark laying out their complete case. Darden detailed a 17-year escalating pattern of domestic violence and control as motive; Clark methodically walked the jury through a critical 1-hour-10-minute window when OJ was unaccounted for, then presented detailed forensic and blood evidence linking him to both crime scenes. The day was disrupted by a television broadcast of alternate jurors, prompting Judge Ito to threaten elimination of all TV coverage.

• Christopher Darden opened for prosecution, detailing OJ's 17-year pattern of domestic violence, obsession, and control as the motive for murder.
• Marcia Clark presented precise timeline establishing OJ was completely unaccounted for during the critical 1-hour-10-minute murder window.
• Clark systematically presented blood, DNA, forensic, and trace evidence linking OJ to both Bundy and Rockingham crime scenes.
• Graphic crime scene photographs of the victims in pools of blood were displayed; judge admonished Clark for not warning him beforehand.
• Judge Ito ruled against several defense exhibits for opening statements, striking problematic language and argumentative charts.
• Television cameras broadcast footage of alternate jurors in violation of Rule 980, prompting judge to threaten termination of all TV coverage.
• Unexpected extended recess called before defense opening statements could begin.