Witness History

The acquittal of OJ Simpson

Oct 3, 2025
Ron Shipp, a retired LA police officer and longtime friend of OJ Simpson, shares his harrowing experience surrounding the infamous murder trial. He discusses the alarm bells he ignored regarding domestic violence between OJ and Nicole Brown Simpson, his shocking reaction to their murders, and the emotional turmoil that led him to testify against his friend. Shipp reveals the pivotal moment of seeing crime scene photos that changed his mind, and reflects on the aftermath of the trial and the fallout he faced as a key witness.
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ANECDOTE

Longstanding Friendship With Simpson

  • Ron Shipp had a long friendship with OJ Simpson that began in 1968 and included social visits in the 1980s.
  • He remembered OJ and Nicole Brown Simpson as a funny, affectionate couple who seemed like "the couple."
ANECDOTE

Seeing Evidence Of Domestic Abuse

  • Ron Shipp describes learning Nicole had been beaten and shown him photos of past abuse that shocked him.
  • He used his domestic violence teaching experience to explain patterns of jealousy and aggression to her.
ANECDOTE

Visits After The Murder Raised Suspicions

  • The day after the murders Ron visited OJ and noticed a fresh bandage on Simpson's left finger and inconsistent explanations for it.
  • OJ also admitted to Shipp he had "dreams of killing her," which convinced Shipp he could be guilty.
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