Glove And Shoe Testimony Continues
SANTA MONICA, Nov. 6 (Evening) -- Testifying through his videotaped deposition, photographer Harry Scull Jr. insisted that he never doctored a photograph he took of O.J. Simpson apparently wearing Bruno Magli shoes. But on cross-examination, the defense tried to show they had been altered, pointing out that Scull sold them to the tabloid National Enquirer, that the negatives left his possession for several days, and they even traveled to London where they were scanned into a computer at a photo laboratory.
Thursday the plaintiffs plan to call via his deposition, Det. Kenneth Berris, the Chicago police officer who inspected Simpson's hotel room, and Dr. Robert Huizenga, who examined Simpson shortly before he was arrested. Thursday afternoon the court has scheduled a hearing outside the presence of the jury to determine whether the plaintiffs can present evidence that shows the personality profile of a person who commits a domestic homicide.
Scull's direct testimony was shown on videotape, but his cross-examination was read into the record. Phil Baker, lead defense attorney Robert Baker's son, sat on the witness stand and pretended he was Scull. Young Baker acted out his testimony to the hilt, making Scull look foolish in a number of instances. The jury, and the audience, laughed several times.
In one of the funnier moments, Scull (played by Baker) was asked whether he realized that his agent received $17,000 for brokering his picture deal with the National Enquirer, but only paid Scull $2,500.
"No," Baker replied drawing out his answer and acting incredulous.
The defense also noted that Simpson had no astroturf remnants on his shoes and that Scull never told his friends or mother that he had pictures of Simpson wearing shoes purportedly used in the murders.
One interesting fact that also came out in Scull's testimony is that he claims he sent a copy of his picture to Pro Football Weekly, a magazine, shortly after it was taken in September 1993. The editor of the magazine, Scull said, still has the photo.
Earlier in the afternoon, glove expert Richard Rubin finished his testimony. Through his questioning defense attorney Robert Baker tried to show Rubin was biased in favor of the plaintiffs and that he wanted Simpson convicted in the criminal trial. Baker noted that Rubin asked for all the prosecutors' business cards so he could make a display for his office. The defense also introduced into evidence a letter Rubin wrote to the prosecutors after testifying in the criminal trial. Concluding his note, Rubin said: "Maybe I can make it to the victory party!"
Simpson was in court for most of the day, although he came late and left early. His mother, Eunice, sat behind him. Both of Ronald Goldman's parents, Fredric Goldman and Sharon Rufo, attended the proceedings as well.
-Robert SchmidtFind out about Court TV's coverage of the civil trial, and take a look at the witness lists provided by both sides.
Rob Schmidt's Reporter's Notebook
Court TV Reports and Trial Coverage
Documents and Depositions from the Pre-Trial Civil Proceedings
A Look Back at the Criminal Case
Discuss the Case
Register for our message boards and trade your insights and opinions with other trial watchers.
