The Unanswered Question: Who Killed Nicole Brown Simpson? The Enduring Mystery After O.J.'s Death

Decades after the world was captivated by the "Trial of the Century," the criminal case surrounding the brutal 1994 murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman remains officially unsolved, a chilling legal reality that persists even after the death of the primary suspect, O.J. Simpson, in April 2024. The former NFL star's passing has reignited intense public interest and debate, forcing a fresh look at the complex, racially charged, and deeply divisive evidence that led to a criminal acquittal but a subsequent finding of civil liability for wrongful death.

As of December 2025, no new official evidence or suspects have been introduced by the LAPD to definitively close the criminal investigation. This article delves into the core facts, the legal outcomes, and the most compelling alternative theories that continue to fuel the curiosity of a global audience.

The Victims and the Central Figure: A Complete Profile

The tragedy of June 12, 1994, claimed two lives and launched a legal and media spectacle that irrevocably changed American culture. To understand the case, one must first know the key figures involved.

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Nicole Brown Simpson (May 19, 1959 – June 12, 1994)

• Birth Name: Nicole Brown
• Background: Born in Frankfurt, West Germany, to a German mother and an American father. She grew up in Dana Point, California.
• Relationship with O.J.: She met O.J. Simpson in 1977 when she was 18 and working as a waitress. They married in 1985 and had two children, Sydney Brooke Simpson and Justin Ryan Simpson.
• Divorce: The relationship was tumultuous and marked by documented domestic abuse. They divorced in 1992.
• Death: Stabbed to death outside her Brentwood, Los Angeles, condominium.

Ronald Lyle Goldman (July 2, 1968 – June 12, 1994)

• Background: An American restaurant waiter, aspiring actor, and model. He was a resident of Los Angeles.
• Connection to Nicole: Goldman was a waiter at the restaurant Mezzaluna, where Nicole Brown Simpson and her family had dined earlier that evening.
• Circumstances of Death: He arrived at Nicole's condo to return a pair of eyeglasses that Nicole's mother had left at the restaurant. He was fatally stabbed multiple times alongside Nicole.
• Legacy: His family, especially his father Fred Goldman, became a vocal force in the subsequent civil litigation against O.J. Simpson.

Orenthal James "O.J." Simpson (July 9, 1947 – April 10, 2024)

• Nickname: "The Juice"
• Career: Legendary NFL running back, Pro Football Hall of Famer, and successful actor and sports commentator.
• The Trial: Charged with the double murder. The subsequent criminal trial (1995) became known as the "Trial of the Century," resulting in an acquittal on all criminal charges.
• Civil Liability: In a 1997 civil trial for wrongful death, a jury found Simpson liable for the deaths of Brown and Goldman, ordering him to pay $33.5 million in damages to the victims' families.
• Later Life: Convicted in 2008 for armed robbery and kidnapping in Las Vegas. He served nine years in prison and was released on parole in 2017.
• Death: Died of prostate cancer in April 2024 at the age of 76.

The Two Verdicts: Acquittal vs. Liability

The central paradox of the case—the criminal acquittal followed by the civil liability—is often the most confusing aspect for those trying to understand who was responsible. This dichotomy highlights the significant difference between the burden of proof in criminal and civil law.

The Criminal Trial (1995): Not Guilty

In the criminal case, the prosecution, led by Marcia Clark and Christopher Darden, had to prove guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt." The defense, the high-profile "Dream Team" including Johnnie Cochran, Robert Shapiro, and Robert Kardashian, successfully introduced doubt by focusing on critical issues.

• The Bloody Glove: The infamous glove found at Simpson's property, which did not appear to fit him during the courtroom demonstration, was a pivotal moment. Johnnie Cochran's line, "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit," became a cultural phenomenon.
• DNA Evidence: While the prosecution presented extensive DNA evidence linking Simpson to the crime scene, the defense argued that the evidence was contaminated or mishandled by the LAPD, specifically pointing to Detective Mark Fuhrman.
• Racial Tension: The defense successfully framed the case as one of police misconduct and racial bias, particularly after Fuhrman was revealed to have used racial slurs and potentially planted evidence. This resonated with the predominantly Black jury.

The jury found O.J. Simpson not guilty on October 3, 1995.

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The Civil Trial (1997): Liable for Wrongful Death

The families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman subsequently filed a civil lawsuit against Simpson. The standard of proof in a civil case is much lower: a "preponderance of the evidence."

The civil jury, which was not sequestered and was presented with much of the same evidence, found Simpson liable for the wrongful deaths of both victims. The jury ordered him to pay $33.5 million in damages. This verdict essentially confirmed the civil court's belief that Simpson was responsible for the killings, even though he was criminally acquitted. The debt, which grew with interest over the years, remained largely unpaid at the time of Simpson's death.

The Enduring Alternate Theories of the Murder

Despite the civil verdict, the lack of a criminal conviction has allowed various alternative theories to persist in the public imagination, often fueled by true crime documentaries and books. These theories attempt to answer the question, "Who killed Nicole Brown Simpson?" by pointing the finger away from O.J. Simpson.

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Theory 1: The Jason Simpson Theory

One of the most persistent and detailed alternative theories centers on O.J.'s eldest son, Jason Simpson. This theory, popularized by the book O.J. Is Innocent and I Can Prove It, suggests that Jason, who allegedly struggled with severe mental health issues, intermittent rage, and had a history of violence (including a past arrest for assault with a knife), was the actual killer.

• The Motive: Proponents suggest Jason, a chef, was enraged by his stepmother Nicole's cancellation of a family dinner or her perceived slight.
• The Evidence: The theory points to a knife missing from Jason's collection and a history of diary entries detailing his anger and desire to use a knife. It posits that O.J. arrived after the murders and attempted to cover for his son.
• The Current Status: This theory has been dismissed by official investigators but remains a popular point of discussion among true crime enthusiasts.

Theory 2: The Glen Rogers Confession

A more sensational, though widely discredited, theory involves serial killer Glen Rogers. Rogers, who is currently incarcerated in Florida, allegedly confessed to the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.

• The Claim: Rogers claimed he was working near Nicole's home and met her shortly before the murders. He alleged that O.J. Simpson had hired him to steal a pair of earrings and "scare" Nicole, but the encounter escalated into murder.
• The Refutation: Investigators, including the former lead prosecutor Marcia Clark, have largely dismissed Rogers's claims as a desperate attempt for attention or a fabrication. Rogers is known for making false claims about high-profile crimes.

The Aftermath of O.J. Simpson's Death (2024)

O.J. Simpson's death in April 2024 officially closed the book on the life of the central figure, but it did not provide the resolution the victims' families sought. The criminal case remains open, albeit dormant, and the civil judgment debt is a complex issue.

The Goldman family, through Fred Goldman, has consistently maintained that O.J. Simpson was the killer. Simpson's death means the families can no longer pursue him directly for the outstanding civil debt, which was estimated to be tens of millions of dollars. However, the civil judgment gives the families the right to go after his estate to recover some of the damages. The legal battle over Simpson's assets and estate continues to be a point of contention, ensuring the case's financial and legal legacy endures well beyond the 30th anniversary of the murders.

The enduring fascination with the case, encompassing the dramatic Bronco Chase, the controversial verdict, the complex DNA evidence, and the legal maneuvering of figures like Judge Lance Ito and Kato Kaelin, guarantees that the question of who killed Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman will continue to be debated for years to come. For the criminal justice system, the case remains an open wound—an officially unsolved double homicide that continues to challenge the very definition of justice.