O.J. Simpson A Robber of Alfred Beardsley and Bruce Fromong or Misunderstood Vigilante? 10-4 Update

Over 10 years ago, I followed the O.J. Simpson murder trial. Despite incurring a great deal of ridicule, I predicted that that the jury would not find Simpson guilty of murder. I was called so many names that after a while I kept my mouth shut. After the jury turned him loose, several asked how I thought he could be innocent. My response was simply that I did not think a jury would find him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt based on the evidence. On the other hand, in a civil case, where the plaintiff need only prove responsibility beyond a reasonable doubt, there was an excellent chance he would be held liable.

Now in 2007, O.J. is still having brushes with the law. Last week O.J. Simpson was accused of robbing two men of sports memorabilia at gun point. Now, Alfred Beardsley, one of the collectors wants this thing to be dropped. "I want this thing to go away. I have health problems," said Alfred Beardsley. Beardley told The Associated Press he is not interested in pursuing the case. "I have no desire to fly back and forth to Las Vegas to testify... How are they going to have a witness who's on O.J.'s side?"

Beardsley claims he called police only because if he had not reported them as stolen he would be "held accountable for all the stuff." Simpson apparently called Beardsley after the incident to apologize. Lt. Clint Nichols reports that even if Beardsley withdraws his complaint, another collector in the room, Bruce Fromong, still has a complaint on file.

Next book for Simpson, "If I Was Not An Idiot."

Update 9-17-07: Simpson was arrested and booked on charges including armed robbery. Audio tape clearly reveals Simpson's voice threatening the other men to give him back "his possessions." (At this point Simpson must have forgotten that Ron Goldman and his family apparently have the rights to all his valuable memorabilia.)

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Update 9-18-07: Some legal experts are questioning whether Simpson is being treated unfairly for his role in the casino-hotel robbery case perhaps as payback for his murder acquittal. "It is regrettable that America has not gotten over the O.J. Simpson criminal case," said Carl Douglas. Douglas was co-counsel with Johnnie L. Cochran in the 1995 murder trial. "The fact that he is being held without bail seems unfair and over the top," Douglas said. (Legal Pub does agree that O.J. is not a real flight risk. Where could he go without being recognized? Furthermore, when a co-defendant is out on bail, it looks like O.J. is being treated like a convict before he has even had a trial.)

Update 9-19: Official charges include kidnapping, suspicion of assault, and robbery with a deadly weapon.

At least 3 other men are involved and maybe as many as seven. Simpson insists that he did not have a gun. The guy who told Simpson of the "stolen merchandise" video taped the event. He also sold that video. In the past he has apparently sold other celebrate video. O.J. Simpson, not being the most intelligent man on earth, may have been baited into this alleged crime. O.J. 's bond was set at $125,000, a huge amount for a man of his limited means. The conditions of release included surrender of his passport and no contact with co-defendants or potential witnesses.
Update 9-20: Message to main stream media, yes Legal Pub has very early on called into question the prosecution's case against Simpson. Over charging and bias have no place in the law. No it appears our hunch is gaining popularity and support. Four other men have been arrested on similar charges and one is still being sought. Charles Howard Cashmore, 40, surrendered to police Wednesday. Cashmore brought in items that are believed to have been involved in the alleged crime. The alleged victims are Alfred Beardsley and Bruce Fromong. Memorabilia dealer Tom Riccio set up the meeting. Items included football game balls signed by Simpson, Joe Montana lithographs, baseballs autographed by Pete Rose and Duke Snider.

Beardsley (paroled 6/06 after serving 2 months for stalking) told police the collection would earn $35,000. One of the men with Simpson (not Simpson) had a pistol and impersonated a police officer. Another pointed a gun at Fromong. He has been arrested for parole violation and is being held without bail.

Riccio (who audiotaped the incident) has a past record, including grand larceny in 1984 and a felony arson in 1995. Beardsley told NBC's "Today" show that he didn't think the audiotape was accurate. Riccio allegedly was promised some form of immunity by prosecutors.

Other defendants include, Walter Alexander and Clarence Stewart. were arrested and released pending court appearances. Stewart turned in some of the missing goods. Alexander has also agreed to cooperate with prosecutors. Michael McClinton, 49, of Las Vegas, also has surrendered to police. The name of the remaining suspect has not been released.
As a prosecutor would you want to build your case around this cast of characters?

1-12-08: O.J. was taken into custody in Miami, Florida, on allegations that he violated terms of his bail by trying to talk a co-defendant in the Las Vegas armed robbery case.

Update 9-9-08: As the Simpson trial begins with jury selection, Judge Jackie Glass warned prospective jurors, "If you are here to think that you're going to punish Mr. Simpson for what happened in Los Angeles back in '95, this is not the case for you."

Update 10-4-09: O.J. found guilty on all 12 counts. He will likely face a long jury sentence in jail. In fact, he could get life!

Update 3-17-09: Simpson was sentenced in December to a maximum of 33 years for his involvement in an armed confrontation with sports memorabilia dealers. He'll be eligible for parole in nine years. The Society Against Legal Injustice has a web site proclaiming that the Simpson's case was mishandled and he deserves an appeal. The group lists alleged errors and is requesting donations for his appeal. Good luck raising the cash...