Evidence Dismissed: The Inside Story of the Police Investigation of O.J. Simpson

by Tom Lange, Det Philip Vannatter, Dan E Moldea

**New Edition! - Updated With New Postscript**

In this astonishing New York Times bestseller, veteran LAPD Detectives Tom Lange and Philip Vannatter-who headed the investigation of the Nicole Brown/Ronald Goldman double murder-fully chronicle the police case that brought O.J. Simpson to trial. Drawing from personal journals, police logs, and audiotapes, Lange and Vannatter reconstruct the entire investigation, revealing:

* What precisely was discovered at Simpson's Rockingham estate, and what role Mark Fuhrman really played during the investigation.

* The detectives' efforts to protect the Bundy crime scene and keep the media at bay.

* The transcript of their bizarre interview with Simpson the day after the murders.

* The transcript of Lange's pleading call to Simpson's mobile phone during the infamous Bronco chase.

* The behind-the-scenes maneuvering at both the criminal and civil trials, including how crucial evidence came to be excluded.

* The on-going distortions of an agenda-driven media.

Evidence Dismissed presents the definitive facts of this sensational case, recounted in unflinching detail.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, History

430 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1997

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book sometime in 1997 when it first came out. It's written by the two lead detectives in the O.J. Simpson case (Tom Lange & Philip Vannatter). This book needs to be read by anyone who likes non-fiction crime drama or has any doubts if O.J. did it or not. Despite the smoke & mirrors from his defense, after reading this book it was pretty clear to me who killed Brown/Goldman.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading every perspective on the O.J. case I can in the last few weeks, partially to coincide with watching the FX channel show American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson, and more to bide my time while waiting to get my hands on a copy of the book that inspired the show, The Run of his Life by Jeffery Toobin (which got snaked out from under me due to a glitch in the computer system at work).

Having read O.J.'s words, both then and more recently, on the case, I've picked up two books from the other side, particularly the investigation (I don't have much interest in reading the accounts of the attorneys for either side). Of what I've read thus far (and in the past), Evidence Dismissed is by far the best account of the case I've read.

Unlike other books, which focus far too much on the theater of the courtroom, Evidence Dismissed follows an almost hour-by-hour account of the investigation into the murders of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson. While I can understand how this might feel a bit dry ("Just the facts, ma'am") to readers more accustomed to a stronger narrative flow, I appreciate the stark, straightforward approach to the case, evidence, and timeline. Some parts feel like they suffer from this treatment, where the lack of emotional impact becomes almost too clinical (the account of the autopsies in particular).

More than anything, the feeling Evidence Dismissed most impressed on me was how much the two detectives were/are just ready to be done with the whole case. Unlike other tellings of the case, where there is a palpable undercurrent of desire to build a career off the notoriety the "Trial of the Century" brought, this feels like a final statement and mike drop. Both detectives had retired from the LAPD by the 1997 publication of the book, and seemed to have moved on with their lives.

In any version of the case where O.J.'s guilt is a foregone conclusion (which, given this book is from the perspective of the lead detectives on the case, should be obvious), the biggest question is always "who's to blame?" While the detectives are not beyond pointing to their own mistakes, the problem of racist and braggart Mark Fuhrman, or the needy, self-serving media whoring of Judge Lance Ito, they make a strong point of placing much of the blame on the prosecution, and Marcia Clark in particular. The reasons are far too long to list here, but the list of potential evidence the prosecution didn't even attempt to use in the criminal trial (most of which did get used for the successful civil trial) is pretty damning.

I'd definitely recommend this to anybody be interested in the case, regardless of prior opinion. The evidence outlined in certainly sufficient to raise suspicion in the mind of open-minded readers that believe O.J. was innocent. It does a better job of dismantling the accusations and misdirections of the defense than the prosecution did, which is disturbing in its own right.

[Aleigha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have an honest question, can you think of a more popular crime and trial than the OJ Simpson trial?


I don't know how I feel about this book and the trial it self. No I was not born at the time of this happening, but my mom loves to tell me she was pregnant (with me) lying on the couch when the jury came back with their verdict.

Since a young age I've always been fascinated by the Simpson trial but only now that I'm older have I taken the time to actually learn about the crime and the trial. Now that I have started to learn more about the case it fills me with pain for the Goldman and Brown family. A part of me never really knew if he did it because the defense team NEVER proved he didn't, they instead went after the LAPD and made it about race, not the murders. This book was an interesting insight into the police investigation, because again they trial although it was about the victims was turned around to blame the LAPD for allegedly framing OJ. After reading this I feel they had a lot of evidence againt OJ, but do to the defence going after the LAPD it seems most if not all of that evidence was put aside. When reading I saw Mark Fuhrman did play a part in the case, but
I don't believe he planted the glove or blood. I do believe he is racist bad cop and the defense needed an scapegoat to blame it on and they got very lucky with Mark. But this book also made me she Marcia Clark in a new light as well, not a very good light.
With all that said this is a true crime book I feel anyone who is interested in the OJ case should read, I feel it's a new or different perspective on the case.

I feel you would learn a lot you may not have known.

[Corgi Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is worth reading. This is the factual account of what happened during the investigation and trial of the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. If you want to know the exact evidence the LAPD had on O.J. Simpson and how much of it was not brought up in court, this is the book to read. It is authored by the investigating detectives, Phil Vannatter and Tom Lange. O.J. Simpson got away with murder.

[Meb Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too Much Evidence To Be Dismissed

For me, this book brings to light the importance of split second decisions made by homicide detectives, especially when writing warrants early in the investigations. They are expected to see all, know all, and act quickly without rushing to judgment.

Reading this version of the murder trial reminds me not only of the two lives taken, but how many souls were damaged by the actions of a cold-blooded killer and the self-aggrandizing men hired to defend him. Lady Liberty must have cried.

The documentation of events was spot-on as I best I can tell. The storyline is laid out in simple, easy to read increments with the detectives' personal opinions and experiences injected.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

While many books about the OJ Simpson case focus on the trial, Evidence Dismissed gives clear cut evidence and tells the investigator side of the story. While the trial is discussed, it is on the basis of the police reaction, testimony, and evidence they wish they had been presented in the courtroom.

Having read a couple of books regarding the case (Marcia Clark’s in particular), it was interesting to see each side of the story- in Evidence Dismissed, the detectives wanting a piece of evidence presented and basically blaming Clark for not being on “their side” - while in Clark’s book, she justifies her reasoning for the evidence she didn’t dismiss and how each part fit into the big picture of the case.

And, of course, after reading any of these books, it is obvious OJ is guilty.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love true crime stuff--48 Hours Mystery, Dateline, etc. I have been wanting to read an OJ book about the crime and trial for a while now. This is the first one I've read, and it covers the lead detectives and their story of how they investigated the case and the evidence they had. I'd be curious to read some of the others from the other viewpoints (prosecution, crime reporter). This particular crime and trial are of special interest to me b/c I remember being in college at the time of the verdict and watching it live on the cafeteria TVs in our Student Center. Then we discussed it briefly in my African-American Literature class.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

After watching the recent TV miniseries about the O.J. Simpson murder trial in 1994-95, I have been reading a number of books about the trial. After reading a book by one of the defense lawyers recently, I read this book by the two lead detectives of the LAPD who were assigned to the case, Tom Lange and Philip Vannatter.

This book was interesting and explained in detail many of their actions that had been questioned in court and/or by the media and which they weren't given a chance to explain fully. Well done.

**#46 of 120 books pledged to read/review during 2016**
#99 of 120 books pledged to read during 2019

[Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evidence Dismissed is Solid OJ History

I liked this story because it is a straightforward and detailed account of the O.J. Simpson tragedy from the lead LAPD investigators’ point of view. It is written in a way that is interesting to read and is a learning experience regarding police murder investigations and trials. It is a great piece of the historical record regarding this chapter of American History. They were two of the key figures involved.

[Cal Equine Ranch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The why

I had to read this book after reading Murder in Brentwood. I felt Fhurman made himself out as no fault top investigator who had all the answers while putting down others. Although I believe most of what he says, I believe arrogant plays a big part here. As a thirty plus year veteran in law enforcement, retired, the LAPD does have a reputation of arrogance. Too bad that arrogance goes into disrespecting and putting down fellow officers.

[Glennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another perspective of a case gone horribly wrong. Don't misunderstand.... I supported the outcome because I didn't feel the prosecution did their job. I watched a lot of it at the time, and the prosecution left too many questions unanswered, leading to reasonable doubt. Lange provides answers to most of my "whys."

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book I will have to say I thought O.J was guilty of the murders then. I am now thinking with 100% certainty that the Prosecutors screwed the pooch on this case. He is as guilty as can be and he got off. The book was well written had tons of information and was a great read.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes you rethink the OJ trial.

Told by the lead detectives, this book is very interesting. Definitely led me to question the intentions of the LAPD brass & higher ups and the prosecution.

[Cordell · Rating 3 out of 5]

He did it, every objective person in the U.S. knows it, this shows it.

[Mike Worley · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read, detectives take on oj

[Scott Duffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I’ve read on the OJ Simpson murder case.

[Zella Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting perspective on the case, especially considering how much Lange and Vannatter get trashed by other parties. Unlike many of the other accounts, which focus on the trial, this focuses on the investigation and might be the best hour-by-hour breakdown of the first day of the investigation I've seen. I think the book does a pretty good job of defending the 2 detectives against the allegations against them and provides some good details I've not seen elsewhere--including why Goldman's scraped hands were not the result of a fight. The book also pretty effectively slaps down Mark Fuhrman and is fairly critical of Marcia Clark too.

I was not a particular fan of Lange's in OJ: Made in America, and I think the appendices written by him after Vannatter's death are the most obnoxious part of the book. They're trying to be amusingly snide in responding to everything from that documentary to the FX miniseries, but they often just seem petty and misinformed. Still a worthwhile read if you're interested in the case.

[CASPER HILEMAN · Rating 4 out of 5]

The two primary detectives in the O.J. Simpson murder case post-retirement tell their side of the story. The only detective most people remember from the most famous trial of the century is the disgraced Mark Fuhrman. Unfortunately for these two men with impeccable records, Fuhrman is seen as the detective who investigated the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. In reality, Fuhrman had only minor involvement in the investigation after the initial crime scene investigation. Both the late Detective Vannatter and Detective Lange would be pilloried by the press and the defense as racist co-conspirators. Co-Author Dan Moldea and both detectives comprehensively present evidence of Mr. Simpson's guilt as well as defend themselves and their professional and personal reputations once the L.A.P.D. mandated gag order was no longer applicable to them. If you like true crime books from the point of view of the police this is for you.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absorbing and detailed investigation of the grisly murders of Nicole Brown and Ronald Goldman by the two lead detectives, Tom Lange & Phillip Vannatter. Their account fully chronicles the police investigation in detail Det. Lange & Detective Vannatter also detail how solid professional police work and some key evidence was later dismissed by the Prosecution. The second part of the book details the sensational trial of OJ Simpson and how the defence seemly picked apart overwhelming evidence that pointed to the defendant. Both Tom Lange & Phillip Vannatter felt betrayed and frustrated by the proceedings that put the LAPD and a racist cop on trial while allowing the real killer walk free.

[Marianne Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twenty seven years later, the case I never wanted to hear about again, I decided to revisit with reading this book. What a mess! It seems the detectives were over worked, stretched thin and racing the clock against overactive media with high powered cameras and choppers. Marcia Clark's ego got in the way. Too many fans, unbelieving that it was possible for the beloved OJ to commit such a crime stirred up such a frenzy that it seemed impossible for a fair trial. Oh well. Too bad. I'm exhausted with thinking about this.

[I’m a Paula too… Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evidence Dismissed…

Remembering the trial, it was apparent to critical thinking people that the man was guilty. How on earth did the jury get this so wrong? The explanation is in the first several pages of this book. The defense team’s strategy worked. And a murderer walked free.

This verdict was based on bias. The defense team told lies about the competency of the police, and the jury believed it. America’s innocence was destroyed…

[Brian Carrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well document of the investigation of Oj. The prosecution should have won this case but some of the witness sold their story and had to be dismissed. Also the layer's for the defence twisted the police apart and telling lies about how the police ran the investigation. OJ Simpson got away with murder.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to know all the evidence and the public only heard what was allowed in trial and what new reporters said or mis said. This is a no nonsense, straight forward, from start to finish, facts of what happened with the police who had to wade through it all, be called liars and worse. If you ever thought the Simpson was innocent, you need to read this and know the facts.

[Mike Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some new (to me) evidence presented. A reminder of what a circus the murder trial was. So very sad that justice for Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman were lost in the frenzy.

[Ariel Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think it was an interesting take on a different side of the story than what was, or could be, presented to the media during the time of the "Trial of the Century." Considering the detectives were under a gag order, & not knowing that the prosecution takes over the case & its investigation upon the filing of charges, it presents a very different side of the matter that the media may or may not have presented.

I don't recall the case, as it happened, as I was too young to recall, so this was an interesting read for me. It clarified a lot of "pop culture references" that I didn't understand prior to reading the book.

However, it was a bit of a dry read &, obviously, it gives a single viewpoint of the matter. I would seek out other authors depicting the matter, but I do see the points the detectives made about those authors being less than genuine in the overall matter.

[Robyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't particularly drawn to the case, but I picked this up at a thrift store because I'm without a library card and desperate for books. It was okay -- walks you through the timeline and the evidence that never made it to court. That part is surprising, but the defense of the police work is a little heavy-handed. It would be better to just tell the facts and let the reader draw his or her own conclusions.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

It appears to me that the LAPD framed a guilty man.

[LILLIAN C. KNOCKE · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oj

Too many mistakes . He never regained any simbllance of self- worth after acquittal. He is a lost sole...a loser