dramatic The criminal trial shifted to closing arguments with Christopher Darden delivering an emotional prosecution case portraying Simpson as a rage killer driven by jealousy and obsession, using the 911 tape and a 'burning fuse' metaphor to argue escalating violence. Johnnie Cochran countered with a methodical defense closing attacking the LAPD investigation, challenging the glove evidence and introducing the phrase 'if it doesn't fit, you must acquit.' Both sides delivered contrasting closing arguments as the jury prepared for deliberations that Judge Ito said could begin as early as Monday.
- Darden delivers prosecution closing with 911 tape and 'burning fuse' metaphor about Simpson's escalating rage over Nicole
- Darden catalogs defense's unfulfilled promises (Rosa Lopez, Mary Anne Gerchas, Paula Barbieri never called) and dismisses case as 'smoke and mirrors'
- Cochran introduces 'if it doesn't fit, you must acquit' and frames case as 'journey toward justice' against corrupt LAPD
- Cochran attacks the glove evidence and Richard Rubin's credibility by citing Rubin's letter seeking an invitation to the prosecution's victory party
- Cochran argues socks evidence proves planting using video timeline showing no socks at 4:13 PM before collection at 4:35 PM
- Court rejects a proposed preemptive sanction instruction, allows the burden-of-proof chart, and excludes glove-demonstration stills
- Jury given questionnaire on deliberation preferences with deliberations potentially starting Monday