Day 41 included Christopher Darden's direct examination of Detective Philip Vannatter, followed by Robert Shapiro's extended cross-examination. Direct examination covered Simpson's blood-sample handling, a Rockingham handcuffing video, and timed-drive videos of the Bundy-to-Rockingham route. Cross-examination covered Simpson's finger injury, investigative staffing and DNA practices, searches for a weapon, note-taking and scene security, the follow-up report and Bronco, and the officers' entry onto Rockingham. In chambers, Judge Ito limited some proposed impeachment and noted his earlier finding that Vannatter's warrant statements were made with 'reckless disregard for the truth.'

• Shapiro had Simpson display his allegedly injured finger directly to the jury, challenging the prosecution's timeline
• Vannatter admitted a trainee criminalist with minimal experience was sent to the Bundy crime scene
• No murder weapon was ever found despite exhaustive searches in multiple states and countries
• Shapiro questioned Vannatter about the officers' entry onto Rockingham, protective gear, tactical planning, and instructions to uniformed officers
• 24 people were present at the Bundy crime scene before Vannatter arrived, and no notes were taken at Rockingham before 7 AM
• Judge Ito had already ruled Vannatter made search warrant statements with 'reckless disregard for the truth'
• Shapiro questioned Vannatter's familiarity with DNA evidence collection and established that he did not request specific top personnel for the investigation