Google file image/O.J. signs a jersey.
O.J. Simpson’s armed robbery/kidnapping trial in Las Vegas is on hold today — in observance of Rosh Hashanah, the celebration of the Jewish new year.
Yesterday, witness Michael McClinton continued his testimony which began last Friday. McClinton is the Simpson accomplice accused of brandishing a gun in a Vegas hotel room during a confrontation with two sports memorabilia dealers last September.
On Friday, McClinton testified that Simpson told him to bring his weapon. McClinton has come under some tough questioning from defense attorney, Gabriel Grasso, who used transcripts of secretly taped conversations of Simpson and his group of cohorts.
When McClinton wrapped up his testimony the prosecution rested its case. The defense then took over and called three witnesses, two police officers and one of the memorabilia dealers involved in the case, Alfred Beardsley. It was the second time Beardsley had been called to the stand. His testimony was brief due to the judge’s decision to block a series of questions the defense wanted to ask Beardsley.
The defense claims Simpson went to that Vegas hotel room to recover personal property that had been stolen from him. In a key point, Simpson’s legal team insists the former NFL star did not know members of his entourage were packing guns nor did he see a weapon.
Simpson and co-defendant, Clarence “C.J.” Stewart, are accused of stealing a cache of collectibles at gunpoint and face a dozen charges. If convicted, they could land behind bars serving lengthy prison sentences.
The trial is expected to resume tomorrow morning.
