In Session: Sidebar  « Back to Blog Main
December 1, 2008
Posted: 12:48 PM ET

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — It is not every day a journalist is able to sit face to face with someone facing life in prison, so when I received the opportunity to videotape an interview with O.J. Simpson’s co-defendant C.J. Stewart at the the Clark County detention center, my producer and I hopped a flight from New York bound for Las Vegas.

In Session correspondent Jean Casarez with C.J. Stewart at Clark County detention center

Stewart has changed since the October conviction on 12 counts stemming from kidnapping to armed robbery and conspiracy. He now sports a small beard and his once black hair is now sprinkled with silver grey highlights. Stewart is facing life in prison stemming from events that happened the night of September 13, 2007, when Simpson and his group of men went to the Palace Station hotel in Las Vegas to retrieve memorabilia that once belonged to Simpson. Watch our exclusive interview with C.J. Stewart. 

Now, Stewart granted us that rare opportunity to hear from his viewpoint what happened that night and why he believes he has been wrongly convicted. Stewart told me he never knew about the guns that former co-defendants Michael McClinton and Walter Alexander had on them that night. He thinks it’s a 50-50 chance that Simpson asked McClinton and Alexander to bring guns that night.

Stewart told me he remembers as they all were walking through the Palace Station’s lobby, toward room 1203, someone asked Thomas Riccio if he thought the men waiting in the room had guns. Stewart says those words were still on his mind as he entered the small hotel room and believed he saw victim Bruce Fromong reach for a gun. That’s why he said he initially walked towards Fromong in the room with plans to take the gun away. When I asked Stewart why he continued participating in the altercation when McClinton pulled out a gun, he told me he didn’t see it, and if he had, he would have taken it away from McClinton.

Stewart said while in jail, he has tried to become a mentor to the young men he has met and now associates with on a daily basis. By request, Stewart has been moved to the jail’s general population. Stewart seemed amazed as he described to me that many of these teens have been charged with murder. He told me he tries to instill in them the values of religion and respect to others, but foremostly respect of themselves.

Stewart will once again sit next to O.J. Simpson on Friday in the same courtroom they both were convicted in and knows he may be sentenced to life in prison by Judge Jackie Glass. Stewart displayed what appeared to be inner strength and conviction and has put his energy and passion toward mounting an appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court. He hopes for a new trial without Simpson as a co-defendant.

Stewart says if he had to be tried with Simpson again he would just walk himself right to the jail and not even wait for a jury verdict. Although Stewart didn’t show any anger during our interview, he says now in retrospect, he believes he didn’t have a chance being tried with Simpson. Stewart also told me if he gets that second trial, he’s just waiting to get up and testify. “I want to be the first witness,” he said.

Stay tuned to In Session, we’ll be airing portions of this interview with C.J. Stewart throughout the day on Tuesday. On Friday, we’ll bring you live coverage of the Simpson and Stewart sentencing.

-Jean Casarez, In Session correspondent

Filed under: Jean Casarez • O.J. Simpson


Share this on:
Jean   December 1st, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Sounds like sour grapes to me.

Jonnie   December 1st, 2008 2:52 pm ET

I watched the entire trial on Tru tv and I thought it was very unfair that C.J. Stewert was convicted on the same 12 counts as O.J. I do believe he will get another trial without O.J. but, I also know how long the appeals process can take. I’ll be praying for him.

Spectorfan8   December 1st, 2008 3:07 pm ET

Can we please get over this “OJ” deal? Life goes on, he is in prison where he belongs. He should have been there years ago for killing his wife and her friend.
Now, he’s so old news.

Love Jean though. She is a wonderful reporter.

sandy alexander   December 1st, 2008 3:58 pm ET

It’s really sad that people could never accept the first verdict involving o.j. Simpson had he been a different race and also his wife, people would have forgotten this case long ago. We still have so much hate towards black people when caucasian criminals get a free pass every day. It’s very sad and a terrible injustice that this case in Las Vegas has been blown way out of proportion and clearly the judge and jury have given both defendants what they believed o.j. deserved from the past. I don’t feel any ones life should be taken, but the courts decided that fate many years ago, how sad to still have so much hate. And all too often as much as I love most of the anchors of Court TV a lot of them really express way too much personal contempt for O.J. Simpson, so I guess when he gets life for this over charged case everyone will finally be able to express their joy and relief, many people don’t personally care for O.J. Simpson but they also know any other person would not be given the sentense that they are going to be given, but as the jury said he should have been given life in jail before. I wonder what our youth really think about our fair judicial system. I love Jami Floyd she is always fair to all nationalities, wish we had more people like her Beth Karas and Jean Casarez on your shows and in this world.

carrie   December 1st, 2008 4:04 pm ET

I am hoping with the down turn in the economy, insession go obsolete. Who needs this kind of show to be on the air. Oj is finally behind bar. All of you at the network should consider given him a percentage of your salaries. Think about it, he literally gave birth to the network and jobs to every one working there. You all get excited at the drop of covering any hint or gist of news relating to him. Very sad…..

Jean   December 1st, 2008 6:01 pm ET

Sandy Alexander: They were both convicted of kidnapping, punishable by life in prison. That’s not a black sentence, that’s a legal sentence.

Stephen Caffee   December 1st, 2008 11:48 pm ET

Interesting comments that getting away with murder becomes racist. After years of mistreatment and abuse the black community had the opportunity to demonstrate a lesson to the country that they could judge a black man as a murderer. They seem to acknowledge his criminal act but justify it because the deplorable treatment they once suffered. We haven’t come as far as the nation thinks. Racial equality has to be earned on both sides on an individual basis and not because of the color of one’s skin.

Marvin   December 2nd, 2008 10:35 am ET

Sandy, I don’t think the OJ thing is about race at all, it is about the rich and famous and how they use their fame and money to get away with things you and I would never get away with, OJ and and his dream team of lawyers threw enough mud into the water to get him off of a murder charge, that’s why he is so depised not because he is black

cj   December 2nd, 2008 10:42 am ET

This is what happens when you run with trouble. As soon as OJ told CJ hey were going to confront these guys for my stuff (cj knew about that) I would have said nope you are on your own. As blacks you can’t just do what whites do and do this mess. OJ is dumb you got off for setting up the murder of the whore of your ex wife and you had it made and you should have known they were watching you. Dumb and dumb. That is why as a kid I didn’t hang out with trouble and now as well as and I have never been in trouble because I always said no. If CJ would have said no you would be at home and not in a cell.

Seeking Justice   December 2nd, 2008 10:42 am ET

I believe this is injustice. We want justice; not just us. OJ was only on trial for the crimes he committed last year. Those small crimes don’t require a life sentence. There was no one hurt and no one even roughted up. These are trumped up charges and they are heartless. If they are trying to hang him out to dry because of something he was found not guilty of years ago; that is double jeapordy. Whey not let your hearts and the law lead you guys. Anyone can see they are just out to get OJ. The let Rucco walk and now they want OJ. This man set the case up and recorded it all, he knew what was going on. OJ must never trust friends again. I pray God will allow the sentence to justify the crime or someone will have to explain to God why they took a life that didn’t belong to them.

Masterdebater   December 2nd, 2008 10:49 am ET

OJ is merely paying now for selling his soul to get out of his previous murder charge. However, the story ain’t about OJ, its about the gentleman that unfortunately got caught up this mess. I think it’s pretty bunk that he is possibly up for life in prison. OJ, sure. CJ Stewart? No way. If the crime doesn’t fit, you must acquit. (ha)
SANDY ALEXANDER–I don’t know what you consider “youth,” but I’m 26 years old, and our judicial system is anything but fair. There are exceptions, of course, but for the most part, I think that people have been passing the buck along, and there has been no accountability for the people in our courtrooms that make these decisions. Also, does anyone else out there feel that the only people becoming cops nowadays are the guys that were bullies in high school? Or narcissists with a love (bordering on lust) for guns? Basically idiots with badges…

Julie Beckner   December 2nd, 2008 10:54 am ET

Is this not a case of there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed?O,J killed his wife and her friend and for all these yeas seemd to have gotten away with it. Did his life take a turn for the better as a result?
Obviously not according to the stories spoken of him, His life since has been a mockery of allthat is good and decent. He was ordered to pay a hugh sum of money for judgement in wongful death suit and moved to Florida to avoid paying anything. Now perhaps he will pay with his life in prison and the money which got him off the murder wrap will not do him any good. Maybe the government will step in and convescate what is left and give it to the Browns and Ron’s family.

Elaine   December 2nd, 2008 10:56 am ET

Has anyone actually read the article? It’s not about O.J. Simpson, it’s about C.J. Stewart.

eric   December 2nd, 2008 11:12 am ET

Sandy,
It wasn’t about race, it was about money and power and how the rich, regardless of race, are subjected to a different set of laws and justice than the less powerful. It had nothing to do with race.
As far as people not being able to “forget about it” He’s the idiot that can’t keep out of the news. He chops his wifes head off, then he’s involved in a road rage incident, then he beats up his girl friend and is involved in a black market cable box and ecstacy ring, then he charged and sentenced for armed robbery in Vegas,
Are we keeping this moron in the news or is he doing it himself?

TM in CO   December 2nd, 2008 11:22 am ET

Hey Sandy – Race has nothing to do with it OJ used to be my hero until the first publically reported domestic abuse. Black white purple whatever. The man killed his wife and her friend and got away with it. It’s about time a celebrity got in real trouble for committing a crime. CJ Stewart should suffer the same fate. I hope he gets a new trial. He doesn’t deserve life.

Jeff   December 2nd, 2008 11:23 am ET

What ever happened to the guys that stole O.J.’s property? Did they ever get charged? Or was everybody so interested in getting O.J. that they could walk away without any punishment? That is where the injustice lies.

carol   December 2nd, 2008 11:34 am ET

All you people think OJ is guilty of killing Nicole and Ron I just for the life of me can think 1 person did this and I dont understand how you think he is guilty!!!!! And then get him for something as petty as this and he could get life give me a break…

Dr. X   December 2nd, 2008 11:39 am ET

Seems Mr. Stewart associated himself with a known murderer. No sympathy from me

keith   December 2nd, 2008 11:58 am ET

what a travesty. I still do not understand what part of Not Guilty people do not understand (the murder charges)

Chelly   December 2nd, 2008 11:59 am ET

So they are trying to stick it to OJ because he was aquitted for killing his wife and her friend. It’s real sad! White people have been getting away with murdering, rape and any other crime against blacks in the south for years. This justice system is criminal and it stands for just us!

People need to be careful because there are going to be more racism in this system, now that we have a black president.

Bruce   December 2nd, 2008 12:02 pm ET

I really think the shame is OJ. He has a long history of abuse of others, seems to think the world totally resolves around him, and thinks because he can do it, why not?

Take the beatings and abuse that he heaped on his first wife, Margarite. She was constantly calling the police in Amherst, where he lived while playing football with the Bills. She would call, the police would respond, she would later drop the charges, and nothing would happen to OJ. Even his children’s babysitters charged extra because they were afraid that they would be the next set of targets.

This is NOT about race! This is about a man who thinks he is above the law and the Lord, thinking that because he is a gifted black athlete, he can do as he pleases without any hesitation. OJ would be just as guilt and just as condemned if he were any other race (in fact perhaps more condemned).

Right is right, irregardless of race!!!

Mike in Atlanta   December 2nd, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Well, well well. It sounds as if he knew what he had done was wrong. But, he has yet to accept it.

If OJ was found guilty at his “first” case…..maybe none of this would have happened. OJ is a criminal and the system has finally caught and convicted him. Maybe now we all can forget about the Juice….as it should be.

While this is NOT a racial case, but if OJ was white, he would have been convicted a long time ago for the murders that he committed..but, he was a black man with money and got away with the crimes. Time to pay the piper, OJ. Have fun in jail with Jo-Jo, your new bunk mate!

Thomas   December 2nd, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Quite the diatribe Sandy. If OJ is being treated unfairly and the situation is being “blown out of proportion” one might consider that it’s really just equaling things, since it was “unfair” that he was found innocent of murder. True, past accusations shouldn’t figure into this current trial, but people are human and they do. I guess you’ll just have to live with it. As for CJ Stewart? He’s a grown man and should have known not hang around with OJ. Didn’t our parents tell us all not to get in with the bad crowd?

Kelly Hansen   December 2nd, 2008 12:19 pm ET

OJ has now made his children orphans by this selfish act. He must have forgotten how it felt to be in prison while going through his previous trial. How could freedom mean so precious little to him and to drag Mr. Stewart down with him. What a sad life he has brought upon himself.

Richard Bartley   December 2nd, 2008 12:23 pm ET

Sandy. I think you miss the point. The OJ trials have nothing to do with race and everything to do with money and fame. Do you really think if Brett Favre was involved in similar crimes it would be different just because he is white? You shouldnt be appalled that a black man is getting a raw deal. You should be appalled that a man spent years on the street after committing double murder simply because he was rich and famous. OJ has broken the law again. Has been found guilty and what ever punishment he gets he deserves…..and thats nothing to do with anyones skin color.

Mukut   December 2nd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

OJ was guilty of murder. He took off in a Jeep and attempted to flee. This is all that an intelligent American needs to know. Had he been innocent, he would have stayed at the scene and offered to help the police. Get real folks and get with it!

Patrice   December 2nd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Well I think that CJ’s lawyers should have known not to have his client tried with OJ. Bad mistake and now he has to wait for the long appeal process. Then again he is still wrong for hanging out with OJ in the first place. As an African American OJ will get what he deserves in more ways then one. Wrong is Wrong and you will get caught sooner or later. True the past is the past, but OJ did not live the life of someone who was wrongly accused. OJ lived as though he was untouchable. He will now be serving a prison term for material things shameful, and I don’t feel sorry for him.

ghost1959   December 2nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

He didn’t stand a chance being tried with OJ. Whether OJ deserves to be in jail or not is irrelavent. He wasn’t convicted in the first case, end of story. Whether you agree or not with the verdict. This case was about the first case and the people with the guns got immunity, where is the justice in that. If I would have been this guy’s lawyer there is no way I would have allowed my client to be tried with OJ. You might as well just skip the trial and go straight to jail.

Harpo J   December 2nd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

CJ may be guilty and I think he belons in jail v…BUT he was not afforded a fair trial. There is no way a jury could separate him from OJ and In my opinion they jury convicted OJ and CJ got cauht up in the ride. I hope he gets a new trial and is judged individually. Until then there will always be a question as to how just the conviction was. Kind of like being tried with Jack the Ripper as a codefendant.

christine   December 2nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

It’s like Langston Hughes said “Justice is a goddess to which we black are wise. Her bandage holds two festering sores which once perhaps were eyes”. Why when Robert Blake killed Bonnie Blakely no one screamed in justice? Why when Phil Spector shot Lana Clarkston no one screamed in Justice? Because they are white and if you’re white then you couldn’t have committed a crime. But Let OJ burn since the Justice system finally worked for a black man. (Even though he was found “not guilty”) He must be guilty of killing his White ex-wife and her friend. Whatever!!! You “WHITE PEOPLE” live in a different America than we do, admit it why don’t you????????

Marcus   December 2nd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Why are we still talking about OJ??? Were we that upset about Emmitt Till?????

Mike Knott   December 2nd, 2008 12:39 pm ET

OJ is now going where he belongs- Jail
I hope he enjoys his new surroundings

Joe Lansing   December 2nd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Sorry Sandy. First, even if it was a white ex-NFL star running back brutally killing two people along with an infamous attempted live TV flight, the case would have been fairly notorious and not soon forgotten But more importantly, I disagree that it is all racial hate that generates ongoing interest. It was high profile trial and quite offensive to reasonable observers that OJ has yet to be held accountable in a meaningful way for his killings.

JimmyJam   December 2nd, 2008 12:53 pm ET

I do feel bad for CJ, but you take that chance when you run with people with no integrity! OJ is nothing more than a smoking pile of elephant dung that deserves to be punished for this crime. Yes, he was found innocent of murder but what goes around comes around and he is finally being punished. No one I know believes he was innocent in Nicole and Ron’s murder.
My wish is that he be put in the general population in prison. I wonder how long he will last there…

Matt   December 2nd, 2008 1:01 pm ET

The first trial of OJ had nothing to do with race it was all about fame. If he had been a nobody he would have been in jail years ago. There was too much publicity surrounding that trial and a bunch of idiots on the jury who couldn’t see through the BS that was going on. This latest incident goes to show what an idiot he truely is and he is getting what he deserves. I don’t believe that Mr. Stewert should have been tried with OJ, there are different circumstances to every case and no two poeple should ever be tried together. He is getting a bum wrap and he is going to end up being in jail a long time, because the person sitting next to him was OJ Simpson.

Sinead Loyd   December 2nd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

To Chelly:

I don’t think our President-elect would condone racial violence.
Besides, he’s 50% white! I do not believe there will be racial violence when he finally takes the oath of office. Why are you trying to create fear of racial violence???

Sinead

monica   December 2nd, 2008 1:10 pm ET

You all think that one person killed Nicole and Ronald. I never thought he was guilty of these execution style murders. Nicole partied and used heavy drugs. Her friend Paula – testified to that fact…..heavy drug use and parties and multiple mates. I still think she owed some heavy monies to the dealers and someone took her out and Goldman just happened to be there…………OJ is broke and was still trying to care for the children they have together…….he has gone down when you need your own memorablia to make a few dollars to take care of your family. The real criminals have walked away because OJ didn’t pay off her drug debts…….that my verdict…..so now he hangs out to dry. SO SADDDD………….you all think one person could pull of a massacre of this sort….clean slits to the throat…….he was a football player and a golfer…..learning to kill in this style would be an amazing feet if this was the supposed jealous rage………

Staci   December 2nd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

I myself have friends that have asked me to go with them to do stupid things. They attempted to rationalized what they were doing in order to convince me that my attendance is mandatory. I have chosen not to involve myself with people who do stupid things.
CJ shouLd have may a similar choice.

Imagine your best friend asks you to go with them to retrieve some stolen property. Wouldn’t you tell them to call the cops? I’m no vigilante. I would imagine all the crazy turns such a situation could take and say “NO THANK YOU”.

If you choose to play in dirt, you get dirty. Sorry CJ

Kerry   December 2nd, 2008 1:15 pm ET

Sandy Alexander,

Any famous sports figure that was charged with slashing his ex-wife’s throat would not be forgotten tomorrow no matter what race he was.

No one has forgotten about Scott Peterson and he is a white nobody….

Spider   December 2nd, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Wow, I guess CNN doesn’t like my comments about O.J.

OK, I will discuss C.J. Stewart. It is a shame that he was not allowed a separate trial. He will probably be allowed an individual retrial on appeal.
But, his mistake was even having any dealings at all with O.J. Simpson.
O.J. will eventually end up in prison. If Hades gets icy, O.J. may win an appeal on this case, but, if he does, he will continue to flaunt his stardom and his money and end up back in court, time and time again.
Those of you, who want to play the race card, will say that’s because he is a Black man acquitted of killing a White woman. But the truth is, O.J. is an egotistical sociopath who enjoys the limelight and feels like he can get away with anything.
He deserves to be in prison for his total lack of regard for society and its mores. In fact, it seems like he wants to be in prison, considering his actions since his acquittal 13 years ago.

leslie   December 2nd, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Too bad about CJ. Too bad he had no moral compass…he just liked hangin’ with a celebrity. Too bad it’ll cost him more than he ever bargained for. As for OJ, no more Florida sunshine, no more golf, no more white girls, no more clubs at 1am, no more goofin’ wit the boyos. Nossir. Just a small cell….forever! Oh God, do I luv it!!!!

Bruce   December 2nd, 2008 1:35 pm ET

Dark days are truly here when a man walks into a room with a bodyguard who is licensed to carry a handgun.

Then just because the bodyguard pulls a gun (arguably) in self-defense , he potentially gets sentenced to life-in-prison even though no one got hurt.

Regardless of the people involved, this type of punishement is dispicable and something we should all be ashamed of.

Kim   December 2nd, 2008 1:40 pm ET

People the bottom line is “CJ” is a grown man. I don’t feel a bit sorry for him or that idiot OJ. CJ made the decision to join his friend to go get his stuff. What did he think they were going to do? Knock on the door and just ask the guy to hand his “stuff” over and they would go have a beer after the fact. I mean come on people. It is all about choices. He chose to go with him.

Susan   December 2nd, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Funny how convicts always seem to get “religion” upon conviction. As soon as their time is up, the Bible gets thrown in the trash.

ernie   December 2nd, 2008 1:46 pm ET

Simpson is where is belongs, the murder trial was a joke, justice has finally been served on a very dumb double murderer.

ed   December 2nd, 2008 1:51 pm ET

fact is the system is never fair will never be fair as long as poeple use it for the wrong reasons.. be it hold grudges or personal biases … so many have faced the system as a weapon many convicted wrongly … is a shame…

Steve in Las Vegas,NV   December 2nd, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Here in Las Vegas, Judge Glass is well regarded as a fair judge.

Unfortunately for OJ she is a rather tough judge. CJ might have a better chance for a second trial without OJ at his side. Both should have known there are more security cameras here than anywhere else and as much as Las Vegas is a great place, they deal hard with those who break the laws.

Never mind OJ…Come to experience Las Vegas for your self and have fun..

BriAnna   December 2nd, 2008 2:04 pm ET

I think this whole case with OJ and this kidnapping case has been blown way out of hand. If it were anyone else it would of been marked up as a dispute between friends, accquaintaces and you would of never heard about it again.

Who is to believe who, who REALLY knows if anyone had a gun people will say anything to get themselves out of trouble and I think Riccio set this whole thing up and a couple others who tried or did make money off this case.,
As far as CJ he should of been tried seperatly from OJ.
Weather you believe OJ was guilty of Nicoole and Ron’s murder is illrevelent he was found NOT GUILTY…Now this case is or could be a make up and a do over for what LAPD could NOT do prove anykind of case without A REASONABLE DOUBT..

No one should be sentenced to life for a kipnapping never leaving a room, to me this case was made to fit, just to get OJ to prision.

THIS IS JUSTICE by a case formed out of hearsay of alot of people NO ONE could be trusted on the witness list if they were testifying to save there own ass.

barbara jackson   December 2nd, 2008 2:12 pm ET

i dont know whether o.j. killed his x and ron goldman or not, but i do know the bible says judge not and u shall not be judged! god said it, i believe it .. that settles it

Steve Miller   December 2nd, 2008 2:14 pm ET

I don’t think race matters here – if you pull a gun on someone, expect jailtime.

Sean   December 2nd, 2008 2:16 pm ET

As far as O.J. getting away with murder, I could have sworn he was found to be not guilty. If anyone wants to be mad at someone they should be mad at the stupid people who tried to prosecute him. This whole Vegas thing is a bunch of bull and is just another example of how corrupt our legal system is. Off subject a bit, but why is it that everyone is quilty until proven innocent. I thought it was suppose to be the other way around. Anyways O.J. doesn’t deserve life for whatever happened in Vegas nor does C.J.

Besides O.J. is a great vitamin C supplement

REAL LIFE   December 2nd, 2008 2:16 pm ET

OJ is nothing but a peice of trash. If he could not play football no one would have given his crimes a second look. He would have been poor and in jail like many others. His color is irrelavant. He is nothing but a street thug.

Kit   December 2nd, 2008 2:16 pm ET

To those who think the judicial system is the final and true purveyor of Justice… (and that those who believe OJ is guilty of double-murder simply cannot accept the Truth that was handed down from our divine, flawless “Justice System”). Have you heard of the hundreds of murder convictions that have been overturned since the revelation of DNA evidence, or convictions based on perjury, or impartial juries, or incompetent legal representation. Or what about the guilty walking free if they are wealthy enough to buy their way out through powerful lawyering.

If you really believe that a jury’s final verdict is the truth set in stone, and not to be questioned (and that those of us who don’t should just “accept it and get over it”) then, in my opinion, you are naive, simplistic,
and your ignorance is dangerously blind. (Is it true that it is also bliss?)

susan   December 2nd, 2008 2:17 pm ET

This was not about anything other than convicting OJ for the muders that happened before. He got charged with kidnapping well he never left the hotel with anyone other than the guys he was with. The stuff he was surpose to steal well it belonged to him anyway. You can not steal something you own. What about the guys who stole the property from him? What about the other people who walked that was their? OJ did not bring the guns the other guys did are they so dum as to listen to another for holding guns with out a license.. This whole thing is only about making the news and finally pinning OJ.

John Rae   December 2nd, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Although I feel CJ Stewart was not a “hitter”, he is still guilty by association. These are bad people with bad intentions and he knew that going in. A man like CJ who stands by the Bible as he appears to should have known better. If you play with the bull long enough, you will get the horn. Good luck to CJ in court beside Simpson.

Mike   December 2nd, 2008 2:37 pm ET

A few thoughts,..

CJ shouldn’t be in jail, unless he was part of the set up,…

First, I watched the entire first O.J. trial and I predicted, much to the shock of everyone, that he would be acquitted. Did I think he did it? Yep, but as I watched the trial I began to realize the prosecution didn’t have all the pieces to the puzzle fitted together. It was like they had a puzzle, but didn’t have the box with the picture on it.

How did OJ’s finger get cut? they never answered,..my theory, he punched the air conditioner outside the guest house, that explains to two thumps Kato heard, and explains how he could but his finger yet not cut the glove,…the glove was coming off when he hit his head. See, they didn’t have it right,..they had him, but the prosecution was clueless with no vision.

As for this Vegas thing, HE WAS SET UP. Period, by everyone, the police, the people he was with. C’mon…you just “happen” to be in Vegas, where your stuff “happens” to be a few miles away, and the folks in the room “happen” to have recording devices running when you OJ Simpson “happen” to burst into the room,…who sits around a hotel room with recording devices??? people who have been equipped by local police departments,..oh, and this all occurs in the state with the most harshest laws against kidnapping,…and the police show up and even say on tape that they “got him”.

What bothers me is that, despite what he did, or didn’t do, with the first crime, is that this is a blatant violation of the constitution. The constitution says you cannot be tried twice for the same crime, but if you do get acquitted does that mean that the government can lie in waiting for years and plot to set you up? No,..folks,..this is wrong. Oh, and in case you are wondering, I’m white, mid-forties, and this is just WRONG. CJ is a victim of an OJ vendetta by the government.

Shane   December 2nd, 2008 2:38 pm ET

All I have to say to the people who think verdicts are about justice. EVEN Lawyers say most judgements have nothing to do with justice! I have spoken to some and they stated that many other things influence the outcome of trials and alot of times justice and fairness have nothing to do with it.

tj   December 2nd, 2008 2:40 pm ET

can’t we all just get along

Tim   December 2nd, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Yes, the events in Las Vegas did happen and yes they did take place. But we have to think to ourselves that this is another case O.J. was found not guilty then, but this time he was was he setup? Maybe? Is it justice served? For many yes? Will he get life in prision? Yes! Let’s just say Vegas is getting the chance to do what Los Angeles could not do, and that’s convict O.J. and give hime life in prison. Is this justice NO in this world justice is two faced and blind at the same time. It works for some but not for others To bad for C.J. he got caught up in the let’s take it to O.J. bandwagon.

TexDee   December 2nd, 2008 2:54 pm ET

I agree totally with Spider. CJ is the poor dumb fool who thought it would be smart to “confront” people in a hotel room with OJ. OJ committed a crime, has been tried and convicted and now will be sentenced. Poor CJ came along for the ride so he too shall suffer. Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time. I’m so sick of the race card I could puke. Every single time a black man commits a crime against a white person, everyone starts crying how white people are racist. Generally, the white person is dead so how they are racist I don’t know. If a white guy kills a black person, oooh, ahhh, boy they are racist because of that. Bottom line is this isn’t black and white…it’s human beings against human beings and it’s disgusting.

Emma   December 2nd, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Seriously Sandy Alexander?! He murdered two people. I don’t care if he was black, white or orange. Two young children grew up without their mother and their father took her away from them. A young, innocent man lost his life because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I watched the trial and you may feel that he did not murder these people and you are entitled to your opinion but do not make it about race. This is a famous athlete who got away with murder because of his money and fame. 10+ years ago when that infamous verdict was read I thought to myself one day he will get his. He will have to answer to a higher power and he will also have to live with this every day looking into his children’s eyes. That day is near and I can only hope that he finally pays for his crimes and these two families finally get some comfort in knowing that he is behind bars where he deserved to be years ago.

Che'le   December 2nd, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Who does CJ think he is kidding? To go anywhere for any reason with OJ Simpson was inviting trouble. Most resturants wouldn’t serve OJ. How could he possibly be with a group that large as well as that vocal w/o knowing the potential for danger was not on the horizon? Not to mention as small as the room was with that many people and he did not see a gun?
He had to have been blind with a white cane and a seeing-eye-dog not to notice there were guns drawn. But then again, his dog would have noticed!

Philip   December 2nd, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Heres the deal CJ. You made a choice. The choice was to hang out with a self destructive man. O.J. escaped a life sentence once. Fair or unfair he has been a man with a target on his back since. He knew that and you should have to. Grown men don’t knock down doors to recover stolen articles. I feel sorry for you. I hope you get a break, but the fact still remains – you are where you are because of what YOU decided to do.

texas   December 2nd, 2008 3:08 pm ET

Ya ride with a outlaw..you die with a outlaw…or life in prison. Hum…. maybe hanging around with OJ was a poor decision…..a man who lost it and killed two people. Might he do something else…..why not hang around………….find out and be part of it. Stupid, stupid, stupid. This guy was a willing part of whatever happened. No body held a gun to his head and made him go along with this. Ya ride with a outlaw…you die with a outlaw.

Kevin P   December 2nd, 2008 3:08 pm ET

Quit playing the race card. This has nothing to do with Race, and everything to do with Breaking the law. To CJ and OJ, remember don’t do the crime, if can’t do the time. Don’t do it. I hope they televise OJ being transfered to Prison. He is POND SCUM.

Jacob   December 2nd, 2008 3:27 pm ET

OJ got convicted of killing Nicole, not kidnapping. nobody on earth should be facing a life sentence for what happened in this so called robbery.

Spider   December 2nd, 2008 3:38 pm ET

Bruce-

You sure have a strange way of looking at the facts. Somebody walking into a hotel room with a bodyguard? How in the world can you come up with that being what happened?

This man gathered together a group of thugs, friends of his, and suggested that they barge into a hotel room and intimidate a couple of guys.

The facts are so far from your scenario. Barry Manilow and his bodyguard strolling into a hotel room.

There was a crime committed here. There has been a conviction for that crime. We are waiting for the sentence to be announced. Some people have said O.J. stands for life in prison. Will he get it? We will see. What if he doesn’t get life in prison? What if he gets 10 years?
Will you people who are complaining about the unfairness be satisfied? My guess is, NO!! Unless O.J. walks out scot free this is racism and unfair. Mark my words. If he does walk out with time served, O.J. will be back in court for some other stupid thing in less than 5 years. This man thinks he is above the law.

Tracy   December 2nd, 2008 3:50 pm ET

This case nor the previous case have anything to do with the fact that OJ is black! He is a murderer, thief, robber and kidnapper. He is where is belongs, just twelve years too late. Get over the racial defense!

Annette   December 2nd, 2008 3:56 pm ET

None of us was there when OJ’s ex wife and Ron Goldman was murdered, if he did do this, TRUST me, the Lord will handle him, it’s not our job to judge. Now this new thing he’s involved in, he could of and should of handled it different, but sometimes we ALL dont think before we act, but these were all grown men who all were Shady, so I dont think a life sentence is appropriate but some time is warranted.

Maria   December 2nd, 2008 4:06 pm ET

The only reason C J Stewart did not plea, like the other defendants, is because there was no way O J would be convicted. Miscalculation on his part. This was a “soft interview”. No hard questions. Lastly, Who believes C J was the only person in the tiny room not to see the gun?

Jermaine Getto   December 2nd, 2008 4:07 pm ET

CJ Stewart is a grown man. He is responsible for himself.

AS for OJ; I don’t believe he was given a fair trial, or could ever recieve one. He was blatantly setup and anyone with the average bird-brain could figure that out. What i dont understand is, how is it stealing when the items belong to you? Who was kidnapped? This whole story stinks from the very beginning.

JohnPaul   December 2nd, 2008 4:08 pm ET

OJ and CJ were convicted of the same charges.

If CJ has a clean record, then he’ll get a token sentence.

OJ, however, is going to make little rocks out of big rocks for a long long time. He’ll get a sentence for the committed crimes, then get another 30 years for “acquitted conduct.”

Acquitted conduct when prosecutors come up with a dozen charges…eleven of which he knows he won’t get a conviction on. But..the one chargge that does get a conviction…is subject to sentencing enhancements for acquitted conduct!!

Bye Bye OJ!!

Jerry   December 2nd, 2008 4:25 pm ET

Why do people of color yell racism every time someone gets convicted of doing something ILLEGAL? OJ, a celebrity, is getting sentenced for a crime and his history of being a bad guy. Don’t make it a race issue. I do feel sorry for this CJ character because he got bad advice (being tried with OJ) and had a bad choice of friends.

Noel   December 2nd, 2008 4:33 pm ET

I have to say the original murder case against OJ was about race. Those jurors were terrified that a guilty veredict send all of Los Angeles down flames, literally. This trail was in close proximity to the Rodney King verdict. The officers were foung not gulity and many angry blacks burned down much of their own neighborhoods, acosted motorists, looted and robbed business, etc. All of that occurred over some one that was not a celebrity. Granted, what happened to Rodney King was reprehensible whether he was a celebrity or not. That being said, no one will ever convince me that if OJ had been found gulity of murder that riot would not have broken out all over Los Angeles. OJ is where he should be and CJ was not wise enough to distance himself from trouble.

mitch   December 2nd, 2008 4:38 pm ET

The old saying it will all come out in the wash works here. I can;t feel bad for anyone that would hang with a murderer like Simpson and please don’t say if he did it. This has nothing to do with the color of his skin.
Just continue feeling bad for the children, hope they can grow up and have normal lives

Juan   December 2nd, 2008 4:54 pm ET

I know this isn’t about O.J, but technically it is, CJ hung around the dude(O.J), clearly knowing his past, you would figure if Simpson was innocent or had he’d been found guilty, that after all these years someone would have bragged about getting away with double murder, especially from the publicity, who had the motives?but no one has come forward? I refuse to believe that CJ had no idea what was going on, who goes into a hostile situation without knowing what the hell is going on? especially with O.J Simpson, something stinks with this guy and it ain’t his feet!! And you must remember this, each State has it’s own laws when it comes to weapons violation involving kidnappings and such… These are laws that are relative to Las Vegas, Nevada. Don’t do the crime and you won’t do the time!!!!!!!!

Yo   December 2nd, 2008 5:06 pm ET

I just want to know WHY WHY WHY every time something like this happens (rather it be a murder, kidnapping, rape, fraud or whatever the case might be) and a “black” person is found guilty it is automatically because of race?!?!?! When Scott Peterson was found guilty of killing his wife did he and everyone say “oh it’s because he’s white”? Absolutely not!!!!! He killed his wife and now he’s going to rot in prison for the rest of his life. I’m sick and tired of everything being because of race. GET OVER YOURSELVES! You do the crime, you do the time. Maybe, just maybe, if OJ would obey the laws and be an obiding citizen he wouldn’t be in any of the situations he’s been in. Maybe he did all of the things he’s accused of and maybe he didn’t but bottom line they aren’t just making these things up. It’s like when your child gets in trouble at school everyday at some point you have to say it’s not the teacher any everyone else, it’s my kid. It’s called TAKING RESPONSBILITY!

Mann   December 2nd, 2008 5:08 pm ET

the glove did not fit ladies and gentlemen… laws are to protect liberty. do the people that took OJ’s stuff take the liberty, or were they at liberty; did they have the right. here is a man trying to get back what was his; period. argument about how he did it are relavent, but his liberty in that particular situation was being trampled on just as if it were you.

remember…court is to be fair and just; the glove of the murderer did not fit! there was no place for that in this court room. the punishment does not fit the crime.

Kathryn   December 2nd, 2008 5:38 pm ET

I’m sorry to say, that OJ deserves everything he gets. He’s flaunted the law for years after the murder trial, and just never got the message that laws include him as well. Its not a race thing its a justice thing. OJ should have known better than go “retrieve” what he thought belonged to him. He should have notified the police and had them seize his belongings, instead of taking the law into his own hands — plus the guns! I really like OJ. I just hate that he’s not gotten the message long ago.

Mick   December 2nd, 2008 5:57 pm ET

CJ had a choice that day, and he took the side of his friend,pay the price pal. I am hoping the best day of my life will come when I hear OJ
becomes someones bitch in jail. “Vegas do it RIGHT”…… keep the loser off the street.

Joan Kamen   December 2nd, 2008 6:57 pm ET

The conviction of
C.J. Stewart is a travesty of justice. The judge should throw out
most of the charges against him.

How can a prosecutor give deal to gunmen and not to
C. J. ? This is a legal system turned on its head

Teresa   December 2nd, 2008 6:59 pm ET

Chelly,It is really sad that some people are narrow-minded and continue to believe that racism is only against blacks and that only whites are racist.These are the lies that a lot of people have grown up believing and until we all change our attitudes,some people will continue to be angry and will only see things in a very negative,narrow-minded way.They will continue to hate and will never be free from their emotional bondage. It saddens me that you would say that now that Obama is going to be President there will be more problems because he is black.He is bi-racial and was voted into office by both blacks and whites.I am white and have bi-racial family members and we don’t think like you.It is time to stop the anger and hate and realize how wonderful this country is.Change your way of thinking and find the positive in your life.It’s a choice to be angry and blame others and never see the truth because of color. O.J. and C.J. were found guilty because they broke laws and the evidence was there.They now will be sentenced for their crimes…….

G.L.Bedford   December 2nd, 2008 7:55 pm ET

Article was on C.J…all coments on O.J….Once again the dude can’t get separated from what O.J supposedly did. I saw coverage gavel to gave. What a joke that he had to be in the same trial as the Juice. Based on what I saw and heard, he was just trying to be a good friend and throw a party for a friend that was visiting vegas. And as I see in the Plaxico fiasco, maybe all high profile people should have a “bodyguard” with them that might be packing a pistol.Just have to make sure that all your paperwork is all in order. Bottom line…C.J. needs a new trial!

carol kesling   December 2nd, 2008 9:44 pm ET

love to see jean, o.j. seems to find a way to always get into trouble.. i dont think it is a matter of picking on o.j., he puts HIMSELF into all the trouble all by himself.!!!!!!!! he does think he is above the law, and he will find out the HARD WAY he is not !!!!! HE DID IN FACT “BREAK THE LAW” !!!!! and the things he did are against the law …. CASE DISMISSED !!!!!!

Bruce   December 3rd, 2008 5:05 am ET

Some truths people are afraid to admit because they make them uncomfortable. Most times when people say it is not about race it is definitely about race. O.J. is all about race on every side of the aisle. Blacks are kind of rubbing it in Whites face that it is finally happening to them. Secretly, some of them are hoping that Whites would understand that this is the way we feel everytime a White cop murders an unarmed Black man and gets away with it. O.J. is a murderer and should go to jail, but Blacks and other minorities get O.J.ed everyday. On the other hand, Robert Blake definitely had gotten away with murdering his wife, but you don’t feel the same outrage coming from Whites that they feel for O.J. Everything in this country is about race, O.J. will get off on appeal because White people messed up again. They chose the most bias jury they could find. Also, it wasn’t very smart to admit that they they could have been influence by the first trial.

O.J. getting off had a lot to do with money, but had more to do with incompetence in every part of the criminal justice system in America. Remember Mark Fuhman jumping a gate illegally and finding a glove with blood on it? Why did he jump that gate? Why did he lie about being a racist? Who placed him on the stand without investigating his background? One of the detectives took O.J.’s blood home with him. Why would someone break the chain of custody in the largest case in his life? Why didn’t the glove fit? Where are the bloody clothes? Why wasn’t anybody else investigated? Playing the race card, why didn’t the defense play the drug card? We forget that Nicole was an addict. Not to be racist, but most Blacks believe O.J. is guilty!

sam   December 3rd, 2008 6:52 am ET

When are people in this society going to get over the whole race thing? It has nothing to do with race, and everything to do with OJ being an abusive person, then finally a murderer. He was an american icon for many years, loved by millions until his true side was revealed, not his black side. If you were not convinced 110% he was quilty of the murder during the trial, you had to be deaf, dumb AND blind to all the evidence that was presented to the court. What man in their right mind, if not quilty of something ,would have ever writtien that pathetic book as OJ did about the murder of his wife? A race issue you say? Where is his respect for his dead wife and mother of his children if he is so innocent? Imagine how they feel reading such nonsense from their father, I find it appauling and disgusting!! I will pray for all of his children and pray justice is finally going to be served for the Brown and Goldman families!!

Christy   December 3rd, 2008 9:02 am ET

This is to Sandy,
How do you figure his first trial was about race? IF it was about white people being racist wouldn’t you think he would have been convicted of killing a white woman? Obviously it was about the fact that he was a famous rich athlete who got away with murder because no matter what your race if you have money you walk! When you don’t have money then I can see where minorities sometimes get longer sentences than whites, but again if your black or white and have money your free!

Spider   December 3rd, 2008 9:12 am ET

Annette-

Oh, that is so sweet!!! We shouldn’t judge. The Lord will handle it.

Let’s do away with our legal system. Who are we to judge people? If you committ a crime, God will take care of you.

Keep that in mind Annette when you, or someone you love, is robbed, raped or killed.

Everyone needs to get off this “life sentence” rant. From what I understand, that is a possible sentence, but he hasn’t been sentenced yet. Maybe he’ll just get the minimum sentence, mandated by law, for these crimes he’s been convicted of. I think I heard that the minimum is 20 years. Give him a break. Put the 60 something year old man in prison for 20 years. That’s fair, ain’t it ya’all?

Justice   December 3rd, 2008 11:11 am ET

Havent followed this to close, but doesnt OJ have priors and kidnapping and illegal firearms and breaking and entering are all felonys I believe.

SLIM   December 3rd, 2008 11:22 am ET

Why do so many people still insist that OJ is guilty? He was acquitted by a jury and that’s that. People cant just choose which verdicts they they want to accept. Maybe he did it and maybe he did not. If the crooked officers had not been caught planting evidence, and lying under oath (perjury), we would not be having this blog years later. Why were the witnesses not punished for perjury? What if he did not kill his wife? Some people would not be happy unless their own personal opinion was justified by a conviction. We have to accept verdicts as they are handed down or risk collapsing the fabric of our entire justice system. Why is there not the same outrage over the Robert Blake trial? Why is there no public outcry for, and a law enforcement conspiracy to put him in jail for the exact same crime and verdict? If Nichole were Black or if O.J. was white this entire fiasco would be a non issue, and would have been forgotten long ago. The fact is that O.J. was financially able to hire not just one, but a team of the best attorneys in the world. This team was able to uncover lies (perjury) and illegal tactics used by law enforcement every day. When the prosecution has a multimillion dollar budget used to convict people, the only way to level the playing field is to have the same budget for defense. I really don’t care one way or the other, but I only look at facts, and I check my personal opinion at the door.

DISDICK   December 3rd, 2008 11:37 am ET

Every1 is sitting here saying O.J. is guilty of what,when he was in court he was found not guilty from jurors like ourselves,but since that wasnt the verdict that people was looking for O.J is still a murderer, when you get arrested & is charged your not innocent until proven guilty its the other way around b/c if you were innocent why would you be walking n2 a courtroom with your life in the judges & jurors hands after God,it should be your guilty until proven innocent,its funny during the trial most of Yale Galanter’s objections were half to always over ruled but the prosecutors objections were sustained so that the jurors can here the whole story. Judge Glass would always be the states side when it came time to presenting evidence but rushed the defense to get to there point so the court can move along,how is it that this wasnt a set up when the police clearly stated on the tapes that LA couldnt get him now we got him..how is it that you try to get your OWN stuff back but end up facing life for your own possesion that was stolen,but the ones that stole it didnt make the news,the justice system is very good to us isnt it america..

Mary   December 3rd, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Bruce’s comment on Dec. 3 sums this entire issue up beautifully.

Those of you who say race has nothing to due with it are absurd. Those of you who say race was the only issue are also absurd. Race, gender, and class are ever present in all aspects of our lives. They appear in different gradients but we all experience them and they cannot be totally separated from each other.

Great comments Bruce, I suggest everyone reads it.

Gambo   December 3rd, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Another case of a rush to justice. The Las Vegas OJ trail was a payback for what had happened in Los Angeles. The jury was tainted and prejudical. How can those jurors who found OJ guilty be impartial when over half of them believed he was guilty of the crime in Los Angeles according to the jury questionnaire they completed.
Even the jury foreman beleived OJ should have been found guilty of the crimes committed in Los Angeles. It is highly unlikely that this jury foreman was able to be impartial to OJ in Las Vegas.
This whole case was a traversty of justice. OJ’S lawyers were not allowed to probe those prospective jurors who had indicated on their questionnaire that they beleived Oj was guilty of the LA crimes committed. This case so many grounds of appeal that will warrant OJ a new trial. This went down like this only because it was OJ

ARG   December 3rd, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Parft of the problem that OJ has is his firm narscstic conviction that he is obove the law and the standards that govern the rest of the country. He had a run of luck for a long time and never learned that violence towards other people was acceptable. He is now going to be behind bars, where he belongs.

His co-defendant chose to basically run with a predator and wound up going down big time. At the very least he showed poor judgentment. If someone had OJ lawfull possesions(which I doubt) then the proper way to get them back was through a court of law. What they did was basically extoration of the memobila saleman.

Ms MARY   December 3rd, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Enough is enough! If he is guilty then the court will handle it. But God has the last say so. People are still upset about the other court matter with his ex wfe and friend. I don’t believe he did it and if he did he had help or hired someone. So people just leave this matter in God’s hand.

John Lennon   December 3rd, 2008 6:18 pm ET

If the Goldmans cheerished their son and hated O.J. so much, why would they even want any of O.J.s stuff? It`s all for money. I hope they get all they want so they will quit whinning!!! All the money they get out of O.J. will never bring Ron back so whats the point??

Kat McGuire, KS   December 4th, 2008 4:25 am ET

Mary,

Why don’t we leave all the courts cases ‘in gods hands’ and pray really hard for a verdict to come in all cases? Don’t be ridiculous and don’t bring religion into the court systems. Remember “seperation of state and religion?” Not all of us are christian or believe in god, so what in the world would you do us???? Don’t answer, I already know the answer.

Kat McGuire, KS   December 4th, 2008 4:29 am ET

I agree he should not have been tried WITH OJ and that he deserved to be tried alone, but guilty is guilty and he went along willingly to ‘collect the memorabilia’. Nobody held a gun to his head and made him go.

He also was seen on camera carrying out a box of stuff…..looks like he agreed to do that after those folks were held at gun point to take the boxes.

It is a not a black thing or a white thing people, it is called the law.

John Lennon   December 4th, 2008 7:56 am ET

This case is not about race, it`s about a judge that`s bias as bias can be !! If it were about race, then why did the ones that carried the guns get off the way they did? C.J.s attorney tried to get the case seperated numerous times but judge glass didn`t want no part of that cause she was out to get these guys. Look at Drew Peterson,he`s walking the streets and his wife is still missing. Judge Glass should be held accountable for her actions. I just can`t believe she acted that way on live tv .

Terri D.   December 4th, 2008 11:06 am ET

After all OJ went threw in his Murder Trial and WALKED He deserves what he gets . No he don’ t deserve Life for a First time robbery, He should receive what is handed to a first timer , Not Life!
Still , How stupid is he to think of even pulling off a crime this stupid . So what if someone had his memorabilia , He should be grateful someone did want to keep it after him killing his wife and WALKING on that Case….

Mike Hill   December 4th, 2008 11:30 am ET

Heh Heh, all this talk about race in relation to OJ is kind of funny. Hell, I’m blacker then OJ and I’m a 55 year old white man of Irish descent.

Fishwain   December 4th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Ay…look, OJ should’ve sat down & chilled out when he had an opportunity to, my thing is CJ (being a black man) should’ve pulled OJ aside & told him to just chill as well. OJ should’ve realized that there were enough people in America that were truly disappointed in his being acquitted back in the day & knew that if he showed his face in another courtroom that he wouldnt get off no matter what the charges were.

This is a prime example of an individual that doesnt know when to chill the hell out…maybe its old age i dunno.

WKU   December 4th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Its funny how this article was about CJ Stewart but after reading all the comments someone got off on racial injustice and OJ!! Whewwww….
I feel sorry for CJ Stewart because he wasn’t given a fair trial!! Everyone knows that the jury convicted OJ because they wanted justice for what they believe he did back in 1994!! Its a shame that we believe in our justice system when they convict someone we think they should but we dont believe in them when they convict someone we think they shouldn’t. Key word in the phrase….”WE”
Regardless of how much money anyone has…OJ or CJ, justice should be fair and based on the evidence presented. But in all fairness to OJ and CJ, it has nothing to do with color…it has to do with the fact that America couldn’t swallow their pride and acknowledge that OJ was not convicted whether he was guilty or not in 1994, so there is no reason to punish another man just to get even with one!! What is wrong with this world and half the people in it?? Please help us Obama!!!

CRT   December 4th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

Why is it that when a black man is acquitted by a black jury for a murder he obviously committed, no one cries racism. But when a black individual is convicted by a white jury for a crime he obviously committed all of a sudden it’s racism?

John Lennon   December 4th, 2008 8:05 pm ET

Well tomorrow judge Glass will get her jollies. I`m sure she will stick it to these guys but good. She will have to answer the big man later in life when her time comes. It`s called INSTANT KARMA !!!

Ashley S. from La   December 4th, 2008 8:46 pm ET

This is my uncle and I know him. He would not have done this if he thought there was something wrong. If one of your friends needed you to back them up you would be there. All of you know it too. Everyone who is leaving all of these comments saying he should have known better than to associate himself with someone like OJ. Everyone has that one friend that has been on the wrong side of the law that you would still be there for. He doesn’t look at OJ as a celebrity, that is one of his friends. I hope he gets his appeal and be tried seperately so he can return home to us because we miss him very much. LOVE YA UNC!!!!!

Heidi   December 5th, 2008 1:11 am ET

Hello, To whom it may concern:
I have known O.j. Simpson since about 1984. I lived with a very good friend of his and frequented his house for many Super Bowl partys, and hardly ever saw his then wife, Nicole. I met his children, and met Nicole, but, briefly, He was a good host to everyone there. Before that, many years before that, I happened to know a girl he dated that was so in love with him and had nothing bad to say about him! She attended U.C.L.A. at the time, very intelligent and very attractive young lady. She was not the only lady i knew that he was datiing, I was friends with another girl he was dating, I can’t say much about the girls he was daing, but, he seemed like a pretty good guy, he had a little bit of a drug problem, but, it was the 80s and people did alot of coke at parties and that was what people did then.I met Nicole at a club, working as a waitress, I also worked at private clubs like that and there wwere always guys around hitting on women, that doesn’t mean he killed her and her friend, unless she threatened him or something.

John Lennon   December 5th, 2008 7:58 am ET

With the laws in Vegas, if someone there steals your wallet, you better just let them have it cause if you try to take it back you`ll be sent up for life!!! Makes you want to rush out and get a plane ticket and go there don`t it??

Ben   December 5th, 2008 8:21 am ET

This is ALL ABOUT RACE!! It is amazing how white people can forget about how blacks were tortured and killed by the kkk but not forget about a black guy who wasn’t convicted of killing a white unfaithful woman. Talk about injustice how come whites in the 60s were only charged with violating the civil rights when they killed a black person out of hate and only got 10 years! however yes oj killed her and got away with it. If it had not been for the racis white lapd detective he would be in jail.

mark bennett   December 5th, 2008 10:36 am ET

CJ Stewart is being punnished for not falling in step, taking a deal, and helping the state of Nevada nail OJ. I must admit I have little pity for OJ Simpson, I am white America, and I do believe he is a muderer ,but from an objective stand point, even he’s being railroaded by the system, and Jackie Glass. The sad thing is that this goes on all of the time, police, and prosecuters round up people who were in the wrong place, or happened to know the wrong person, and threaten to destroy their lives, if not given assistance in convicting someone.
In regard to Judge Glass, and I use the term judge loosely, I believe she’ has been arrogant, self-rightous, and mean spirited, in her handling of the case. As a judge, what right does she have to take out her personal distaste for counsel, on the defendants.
I have the most sympathy for the out of work bartender, disowned by his family, living in his car, and unable to find employment, simply for carrying a couple of boxes. He never should have been charged in the first place.

Steve in Las Vegas,NV   December 5th, 2008 11:03 am ET

I think CJ didn’t have a chance being tried with OJ. He may somewhat better chance at a new trial, but being tied to OJ(the real killer) Simpson he was sunk. He should have had his trial with all the others, NOT the Juice. OJ is poison..

Kelli Smith   December 5th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

I don’t really feel sorry for CJ, he could have said no or talked some sense into OJ. With that being said, it is really sad so many people here cannot get off the color issue. That is sad. OJ was aquitted of murdering Nicole and Ron so why can’t everyone just get over that. I do not believe that life in prison for what these guys did is fair, how can you kidnap someone a few feet away? They should have never been found guilty on that one. OJ didn’t have a gun…the guys that did were let off…what kind of justice is this? This is so sad, I feel sorry for OJ. The Goldman’s are at the sentencing hearing, I’m pretty sure I know what they want to happen. God help us all. I believe Judge Glassen will be fair, I think the defense has made some great comments before sentencing…Giving it to God…

Kelli Smith   December 5th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

15 years with possible parole in 5 years for both…6 years manditory…seems fair. I think CJ should not have gotten the same sentence though. Maybe he will get a new trial.

Betty L   December 5th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

I heard Mr. Furmong say at the In Session Interview after the sentencing, that, C.J Stewart was the one who shoved him around causing injuries to his shoulder and ankle. He also said that he has to have continued treatment for this injury.
In the trial, he stated that he was working in the commissary at the State Prison, when a fight broke out and he was injured , causing his disability. Is this part of the injuries he claimed to receive from C.J.?
Also, I thought he said he just worked in the Commissary. This is usually a position by private contractors who sell items to the inmates (at an inflated price), and is not part of a commissioned officers job.
Furmong also testified that someone was waving a gun in his face, but Riccio claimed he was on the other side of the room with a gun being waved in his face. Since there was only one gun being bannished, how could they have been in both places?

ken68us2006   December 5th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

I really have a Big question here, OJ and Stewart, are being tried for retrieving personal Air looms, where the Air looms of legal possession to someone other than the OJ Simpson, and
Did Stewart Know of the Legal owners ship to be of other than OJ Simpson?

Spider   December 5th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Betty L-

I think a gun was BRANDISHED.
Neither one of them would be in near as much trouble if they would have BANISHED guns.

Bodangalang   December 5th, 2008 6:21 pm ET

I personally don’t care about OJ one way or the other if he is stupid enough to think that pictures, trophies etc…….. are worth more than his freedom I guess he found out different.
Blacks have been trying to be free and equal in this country since they were brought here and some not all do whatever it takes to give up there freedom.

betty Stoker   December 5th, 2008 8:36 pm ET

O.J. was tried for a crime in Las Vegas. His own voice on tape convicted him. The judge sentenced him for crimes committed in Las Vegas. Now he will serve his time in the State of Nevada. As the saying goes, “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”. Was the property he was going after really his personal property or property that was designated to settle a judgement in a prior case?

Leisa   December 6th, 2008 2:29 am ET

What purpose does it serve the Goldmans keep showing up at every O.J. event every chance they get the need to move on with their life and get over the hate. If that crocked cop did not tamper with the evidence the investigation would not have been flawed in the first place so therefore blame another white racist cop for the investigation with Nicole and her friend.

Audrey   December 6th, 2008 10:02 am ET

Too bad for CJ….that is the price one pays for ones choice of friend’s…right?
OJ walked into that courtroom smiling like a star….ho ho ho
I am sure that as he walks into prison he will have that same grin greeting the inmates. It’s not who he is, it’s what he is.
CJ would have had a better chance on his own for an appeal but might have injured himself further in an interview he gave prior to the sentencing by defending OJ based on his consumption of alcohol.

John Lennon   December 6th, 2008 10:54 am ET

I also agree with Ashley S. from L. A. C.J. is a kind person just trying to help a friend. If he and O.J. wanted to hurt someone over that mess they would have gone in by themselves with guns but they didn`t . I have to say , the best part of yesterdays coverage was the people outside protesting the Golddiggers!!! They had Fred and Kim a little nervous for awhile!! That man is enough to turn someones stomach. he Preaches that now Ron can rest, but he himself wouldn`t let him rest!! Fred couldn`t say anything to O.J. or even C.J. to their face cause he`s a coward. I really hope and pray that the court of appeals go in their favor . Ashley,let your uncle know that there are people pulling for him!!

Sam   December 6th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

I watched the whole trial on TV and read various comments on this and other forums. I am neither white nor black so have no special feelings for anyone. However, i was disappointed and sometimes shocked to see the Justice system working here. It is beyond my imagination that, the involvement of the kind CJ had in this case, should have such a harsh sentence. I think our justice system is overdue for overhaul. I feel pity for him and pray that he gets fair trial on his appeal.

Texas   December 6th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Welcome to Prison O.J.! More than likely you will be put in protective custody due to the sensationalism of your crime, now and 13 years ago. Once again, you will be protected because of who you are. But this time, you have nowhere to run. You will have nothing to do with your time except think. Think about your children with no mother or father now, think about how you ruined so many peoples lives by your decisions. The judge said this has nothing to do with the past, but as far as the prisoners are concerned, there are probably lots of big black and white lonely “lifers” who would love to get their hands on you. You are a shame to your race and your life has been a tragedy. You finally got caught. Yes, God does have the final judgement. I know that I would not want to be you when judgement day comes. As Christians, we can only pray for your soul and that you will not just find the “prison religion” like so many prisoners do. I pray that you ask for forgiveness from God, not from people, because He is the final judge and He doesn’t care what color you are! He made you black!
God bless and I am glad to say that I was touched by the Goldman family at the trial crying because now maybe they can put closure on what has been a 13 year nightmare for them. God bless them all.

Kelli Smith   December 7th, 2008 11:10 am ET

Wow Betty you gave me goosebumps…not only because it’s a little chilly here in Vegas, but your really good! I would like to keep this page on my favoriates and keep an occasional glance because what you said (everything about your statement) should be told to a lawyer who should be working on that for sure. This is all so crazy to me because there was no violence at all….none not even a slap which would have been appropriate (I think) for someone to recieve for trying repeatedly to “catch” someone commiting an illegal act. (I think OJ was and has been living a rather rocky life after his previous trial.)
CJ, on the other hand, is a bit confusing. When I heard the guy say he need therapy for the assault I was dumbfounded. I was not able to catch most of the trial, unlike years ago when I was glued to the tube! Anyhow, I think life in prison is rediculous for the crime. This is why I have been in college for 2 years majoring in Criminal Justice. I am interested in the C.S.I. aspect of it all….enough on me…great post!

J Johns   December 7th, 2008 12:47 pm ET

There was a mountain of evidence against O.J. in his murder trial – much of it DNA related. This idea that he was “aquitted” so that means “he didn’t do it” is too stupid to even spend any time with, That jury had their own agenda – and was easily manipulated by a demagogic defence team. He was later held liable by a civil jury for the murder of Ron and Nicole – Simpson is now where he belongs, for something else entirely. He has been his own worst enemy all along – he’ll continue to point fingers until his last day, I suspect, but he needs only to look into a mirror.

John Lennon   December 8th, 2008 11:31 am ET

The thing that bothers me the most about this whole trial whether refering to O.J. or C.J. is, they say O.J. masterminded this crime but i think in reality Ricco provoked O.J. and he is charged with nothing and walking free to do it again. I think to provoke someone into comitting a crime, should be charged with the crime along with the one that comitted it.

Shayleen   December 8th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

The chain of custody of the tapes couldn’t be established nor could they be authenticated, so the tapes shouldn’t have been permitted. The jurors shouldn’t have been allowed to consider them. Therefore, not guilty.

john   December 9th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

I was amazed and dissappointed that those defendants who had weapons in their possession were not given jail time. I think this Judge is weak.

J. Stark   December 9th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

After today’s sentencing of the 4 co-defendants of OJ Simpson, I feel that Judge Glass’ sentencing of OJ was definitely influenced by what happened 13 years ago. I also think that defendant Stewart ’s trial should have been separated from OJs he got the “shaft” because of OJ.

truebluenky   December 9th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

I think that the suspended sentences for the 4 co-defendents sends a sad message.It says that if a friend wants you to go and be involved in illegal activity especially involving weapons that you have a chance in walking free even if you get caught by telling on the friend.A way to not have to pay the price for your actions. :(

james   December 9th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

Ms. Karas and Mr. Ford:

Today’s news about the Gov. of IL reminds me of another situation that the two of you may have special insight into, since you are both former prosecutors.

The “Commentary” regarding the “Conflicts of Interest” section (Section 7) of the National District Attorneys Association’s National Prosecution Standards states the obvious: “When the prosecutor has an actual or potential conflict, it is his responsibility to seek a special prosecutor.” Such Commentary clarifies that this is mandatory, not discretionary.

NY DA Morgenthau recently disclosed that he would not prosecute former NY Gov. Eliot Spitzer: “The guy lost his job, apologized and was publicly embarrassed. I don’t believe in kicking someone when they’re down.” Bernard Spitzer, the father of Eliot Spitzer, was the largest single contributor to various of Mr. Morgenthau’s election campaigns. Eliot Spitzer, of course, worked for Mr. Morgenthau, and assisted his campaign when he, himself, was an elected official.

Wasn’t DA Morgenthau OBLIGATED to ensure that somebody besides himself investigated Gov. Spitzer and made the call whether to prosecute him? Gov. Spitzer admitted to patronizing prostitutes in NY Co., but DA Morgenthau didn’t investigate to even determine the prostitutes’ ages. If they were underage, then Gov. Spitzer “got away” with rape (statutory) simply because he was not investigated by the local DA, who was his employer and the recipient of his father’s campaign contributions.

Kelli Smith   December 11th, 2008 12:06 am ET

John Lennon,

you are 100% right … goodd one!

Kelli Smith   December 11th, 2008 9:30 pm ET

To J Johns, I have to say the reasons why he was aquitted of the prior allegid crimes was because of the liar Firman (or whatever)…if u can’t trust a cop then the whole thing gets messed up. What about the missing blood…we could continue you know…;)

Mick from Canada   January 7th, 2009 5:23 pm ET

Happy New Year O.J.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tommiella   February 3rd, 2009 2:28 pm ET

Justice should be blind! No one should agree with “getting back” at anyone because the system did not go your way. No one except those involved really has the truth. People need to get over the murder verdict and work to fix the system so it functions as it should. It is sad to think so many want revenge at the cost of being wrong and mean spirited themselves.

j. renee   February 17th, 2009 10:29 am ET

CJ, WHEN YOU LAY WITH DOGS, YOU’RE GONNA GET UP WITH FLEAS. OJ IS POISON, HE SHOULD HAVE KNOWN. BET HE DOES NOW!!!!!!!!

Leave Your Comment


 

Comments are moderated by CNN, in accordance with the CNN Comment Policy, and may not appear on this blog until they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting. Also, due to the volume of comments we receive, not all comments will be posted.


subscribe RSS Icon
About this blog

Sidebar takes you behind the scenes of the day's legal headlines with breaking news and in-depth analysis from In Session's anchors and correspondents.

Contributors
Ashleigh Banfield
Anchor of the daily trial program Ashleigh Banfield:Open Court
Ashleigh Banfield
Jack Ford
A former prosecutor and anchor of the daily trial program Jack Ford: Courtside
Jack Ford
Jami Floyd
Former defense attorney and anchor of her own daily program Jami Floyd: Best Defense
Jami Floyd
Fred Graham
Senior Editor Fred Graham covers legal news in Washington, D.C.
Fred Graham
Jean Casarez
Attorney Jean Casarez covers trials around the country
Jean Casarez
Beth Karas
Former prosecutor Beth Karas covers trials around the country
Beth Karas
Categories
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. All comments should be relevant to the topic and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. You are solely responsible for your own comments, the consequences of posting those comments, and the consequences of any reliance by you on the comments of others. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying and other information you provide via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
Home  |  World  |  U.S.  |  Politics  |  Crime  |  Entertainment  |  Health  |  Tech  |  Travel  |  Living  |  Business  |  Sports  |  Time.com
Podcasts  |  Blogs  |  CNN Mobile  |  Preferences  |  Email Alerts  |  CNN Radio  |  CNN Shop  |  Site Map
© 2009 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress.com VIP