In July 1994, Los Angeles authorities charged O. J. Simpson with the murder of his wife, Nicole Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman, who were viciously attacked and killed outside Nicole’s home. The highly publicized criminal trial resulted in a not guilty verdict, although a subsequent civil trial found him liable for damages in the murders. Authorities never charged anyone else with the crime.
Five years earlier, Simpson was charged with domestic battery for beating his wife. He paid a fine and completed 200 hours of community service.