procedural The prosecution's physical evidence foundation shifted from the Bronco's transportation to DNA science. After tow truck driver Bernie Douroux testified about retrieving the Bronco from Rockingham, Johnnie Cochran's cross-examination systematically undermined the chain of custody—establishing that the vehicle was left unattended near media and the inventory form was pre-filled before Douroux ever touched it. The afternoon pivoted to DNA as Dr. Robin Cotton, a Cellmark Diagnostics laboratory director, began extensive foundational testimony on DNA structure and RFLP typing methodology, educating the jury through detailed diagrams and physical exhibits.
- Bernie Douroux testified the Bronco was locked and undamaged when retrieved from 360 North Rockingham on June 13, 1994
- Cochran established Douroux never carefully inspected the Bronco and left it unattended outside Parker Center for approximately three minutes with media present
- Douroux confirmed the LAPD inventory form had been pre-filled before he ever touched the vehicle
- Douroux testified he observed no blood inside, outside, or in the rear of the Bronco
- Dr. Robin Cotton began extensive DNA foundational testimony covering chromosomes, base pairing, and DNA variation
- Cotton walked the jury through the first eight steps of RFLP typing methodology using diagrams and physical exhibits including an actual nylon membrane and autoradiograph
- Judge Ito noted a modified court schedule due to a funeral and scheduled a hearing on photographs for 8:00 AM the following morning