YoTa_BoX
10-16-2007, 07:31 AM
Two defendants to testify against OJ Simpson in robbery case
17 hours ago
LOS ANGELES (AFP) — O.J. Simpson's legal woes deepened on Monday after two co-defendants in the disgraced American football legend's armed robbery case said they would testify against him, justice officials said.
Charles Cashmore, 40, indicated through his lawyers at Clark County court in Las Vegas that he would testify for the prosecution and would plead guilty to charges of accessory to robbery, a court spokesman said.
Later Monday a second defendant, Walter Alexander told the court he will plead guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit robbery, the spokesman added.
The plea deals increase the pressure on Simpson who was arrested last month on armed robbery charges, 12 years after being acquitted of murdering his ex-wife and her friend in Los Angeles in "The Trial of the Century."
Simpson, 60, has been charged with 11 offenses, including armed robbery and kidnapping, in connection with an incident in Las Vegas on September 13, when he and a gang of men are alleged to have burst into a hotel room and seized sports memorabilia at gunpoint from two dealers.
Simpson's lawyers have said the former sports star is innocent of wrongdoing and that no guns were involved. Simpson has said he was recovering property that had been stolen from him.
However reports have said Cashmore will testify that guns were used and will also give an account of what took place at the alleged crime scene.
Cashmore faces an arraignment hearing on October 23 where a new indictment will be issued against him in light of the plea deal.
Simpson and three other men involved in the case, Clarence Stewart, Michael McClinton, and Charles Ehrlich, are to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on November 8 and 9.
If Simpson is eventually found guilty of the kidnapping charges he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The latest court-room drama involving Simpson made worldwide headlines last month, underscoring the enduring fascination with the former sports star who many believe got away with murder at his 1995 trial.
One of the most famous American football players of his generation during a glittering 1970s career that saw him set several records, Simpson was the prime suspect in the 1994 slayings of his ex-wife Nicole and her friend Ron Goldman.
Simpson, who has always vehemently denied the killings, was acquitted of murder after a racially charged Los Angeles trial, a verdict that was greeted with widespread shock and outrage across America.
Simpson was later found liable for the deaths in a 1997 civil suit and was ordered to pay damages to the victims' families totaling 33.5 million dollars.
17 hours ago
LOS ANGELES (AFP) — O.J. Simpson's legal woes deepened on Monday after two co-defendants in the disgraced American football legend's armed robbery case said they would testify against him, justice officials said.
Charles Cashmore, 40, indicated through his lawyers at Clark County court in Las Vegas that he would testify for the prosecution and would plead guilty to charges of accessory to robbery, a court spokesman said.
Later Monday a second defendant, Walter Alexander told the court he will plead guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit robbery, the spokesman added.
The plea deals increase the pressure on Simpson who was arrested last month on armed robbery charges, 12 years after being acquitted of murdering his ex-wife and her friend in Los Angeles in "The Trial of the Century."
Simpson, 60, has been charged with 11 offenses, including armed robbery and kidnapping, in connection with an incident in Las Vegas on September 13, when he and a gang of men are alleged to have burst into a hotel room and seized sports memorabilia at gunpoint from two dealers.
Simpson's lawyers have said the former sports star is innocent of wrongdoing and that no guns were involved. Simpson has said he was recovering property that had been stolen from him.
However reports have said Cashmore will testify that guns were used and will also give an account of what took place at the alleged crime scene.
Cashmore faces an arraignment hearing on October 23 where a new indictment will be issued against him in light of the plea deal.
Simpson and three other men involved in the case, Clarence Stewart, Michael McClinton, and Charles Ehrlich, are to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on November 8 and 9.
If Simpson is eventually found guilty of the kidnapping charges he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The latest court-room drama involving Simpson made worldwide headlines last month, underscoring the enduring fascination with the former sports star who many believe got away with murder at his 1995 trial.
One of the most famous American football players of his generation during a glittering 1970s career that saw him set several records, Simpson was the prime suspect in the 1994 slayings of his ex-wife Nicole and her friend Ron Goldman.
Simpson, who has always vehemently denied the killings, was acquitted of murder after a racially charged Los Angeles trial, a verdict that was greeted with widespread shock and outrage across America.
Simpson was later found liable for the deaths in a 1997 civil suit and was ordered to pay damages to the victims' families totaling 33.5 million dollars.