ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, January 29, 1997 TAG: 9701290042
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: SANTA MONICA, CALIF.
SOURCE: Associated Press
The O.J. Simpson case went to the jury Tuesday after a final theatrical flourish from an attorney who waved a wad of bills at the football great and accused him of cheapening the lives of the victims.
The panel deliberated two hours before quitting for the night. It must decide whether Simpson should be held responsible and made to pay millions for the June 12, 1994, knife slayings of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. Simpson was acquitted of the crime in October 1995.
Some jurors took notes as Judge Hiroshi Fujisaki explained in his instructions that Simpson is not being subjected to double jeopardy: ``Even though the defendant Simpson was acquitted in the criminal case, you can still find him liable.''
In contrast to the mostly black criminal jury that voted unanimously to clear Simpson, just nine of the 12 jurors on the mostly white civil panel must agree to find Simpson responsible.
In his final words to the jury, plaintiff attorney Daniel Petrocelli responded to defense claims that the wrongful death claim was baseless and that anyone can file such a lawsuit by paying a $200 fee. He took out some bills and waved them in front of Simpson.
``In their zeal to get your verdict, have they become so insensitive to the greatest of human tragedies, the loss of life ... that they tell you it costs $200 to file a lawsuit?'' Petrocelli said.
``Mr. Simpson, here's $200. Give ... my client back his son!''
Simpson's lawyer, Robert Baker, rose from his seat and yelled back: ``Give it up! Give it up!''
``Give my client back his son, and we will march out of here in a heartbeat!'' Petrocelli raged. Simpson showed no reaction.
As the court day began, the case was further delayed by an hour because of an undisclosed jury problem. Sources who spoke on condition of anonymity said some jurors had been contacted by a person or agency offering to represent them after the trial for media deals. Jurors brought the matter to the judge's attention, and the judge interviewed all the panelists without dismissing any of them.
Once jurors returned to their seats, Petrocelli berated both Simpson and Baker for ``denying the undeniable'' and for underestimating the victims' lives.
Petrocelli again attacked Simpson's alibi and his contention the 31 photos of him wearing Bruno Magli shoes are fake. He also noted Simpson has never given a clear explanation for cuts on his hand.
LENGTH: Medium: 54 linesby CNB