Nine fingerprints that were not matched during the original O.J. Simpson murder investigation might provide fresh clues more than 30 years later. Advances in forensic technology may help uncover the individual responsible for these prints, according to Ari Mark, co-director of the Peacock docuseries “OJ’s Accomplice.” This series revisits the 1994 murders of Simpson’s ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman.
The docuseries investigates the possibility that Simpson might not have acted by himself. It focuses on Joey Ippolito, a convicted drug trafficker linked to organized crime and associated with Simpson. Mark has urged for the reconsideration of these nine fingerprints to see if they could yield a match using contemporary technology.
The fact that there are nine fingerprints that nobody wants to analyze again, given the advancements in technology, is unnecessary,
Mark said. You now have a better chance of finding a match with more database entries than before.
In the 1994 investigation, none of the fingerprints found at the crime scene matched those of Simpson, Brown Simpson, or Goldman. Fingerprint specialist Gilbert Aguilar testified during the trial that nine prints could not be matched to any known samples. The defense argued that this left room for the possibility of other attackers.
Aguilar mentioned that the possibilities for prints matching have improved with expanded databases today. Originally, fingerprints were checked through the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), but didn’t match any entries.
Ari Mark said he wants the docuseries to prompt a new examination of the evidence, highlighting that technological advances in forensics could offer new insights.
A scene from the docuseries reveals that Sam Ippolito, Joey Ippolito’s brother, reported that Joey arrived at their Los Angeles apartment on the night of the murder with a bloody appearance and a mysterious heavy bag. However, Sam’s account has faced credibility issues, as he later attempted to retract his claims.
Joey Ippolito, who died in 2006, became a federal informant providing information during the investigation but was not believed by some, like former federal prosecutor David Kelley, to have been involved in the murders.
The LAPD has stated that the case remains open, and any new evidence could prompt further investigations. Mark remarked on the importance of reaching a shared conclusion based on new truths uncovered by current technology.
The docuseries discusses the idea that if the unidentified fingerprints were reconsidered, they might shed light not only on the presence of an accomplice but also potentially help bring closure to the case for the victim’s families.