Simpson Sister Forms Support Group For Families Of Accused

Inspired by a chance conversation in the courthouse, one of O.J. Simpson’s sisters has formed a support group for families of people accused of crimes.

Shirley Baker learned that the woman she talked to had sat alone in the hallway of the courthouse for most of the day, without enough money to buy even a snack. While the woman waited, her relative’s case had been postponed, but no one bothered to let her know until hours later.

After the conversation, Baker began planning what is now Crime Victim Advocacy Support Inc., a non-profit, private organization similar to government-sponsored programs for relatives of crime victims.

The group’s purpose, according to papers filed July 26 with the state, is to provide counseling, financial assistance and free legal support to people Baker says are often overlooked in the justice system.

Baker, 52, said the group is not designed to benefit her or her brother, who was charged in the killings of ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.

Instead, she said, it is meant for people with far fewer resources than her family, several of whom are able to commute back and forth from San Francisco on weekends so they can be in court on week days.

“Thank God I have a husband … who has a source of income,” Baker said. “There are many people out there who don’t, especially if it’s the principal breadwinner who is accused.”