Simpson Civil Trial Opens Today

O.J. Simpson will be portrayed as a jealous ex-husband turned savage killer when the civil suit against the ex-football great goes to trial today.

Discussion of the couple’s troubled 17-year relationship, and Simpson’s alleged motive in the slayings of Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman, will come in the final portion of the three-part opening statement.

The plaintiffs are expected to try to debunk theories about evidence planting and contamination - even before the defense can introduce them to the jury of nine whites, one black, one Hispanic and one person of mixed race.

Simpson was acquitted of the slayings last year but the victims’ families are suing him for unspecified damages. The jury must decide whether Simpson is responsible for the June 12, 1994, killings and if so, what if any monetary compensation to award.