O.J. Simpson granted parole, Coachella Valley residents react
Many people are feeling a bit nostalgic, looking back on O.J. Simpson’s criminal record as the notorious defendant asked a Nevada parole board for his early release.
OJ Granted Parole – Full details from Thursday’s parole board hearing
Former football star O.J. Simpson, who was acquitted of double-murder in Los Angeles during one of the most celebrated criminal trials of all time, was granted parole Thursday after serving nearly nine years in prison in Nevada for a Las Vegas armed robbery and kidnapping conviction.
Many Coachella Valley residents were watching the parole board hearing live at Louise’s Pantry in La Quinta. KESQ News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2’s Lauren Coronado was getting reaction from residents as the hearing took place.
Restaurant owner, Christopher Paolini, said playing the hearing was unavoidable, as it was broadcasted on nearly every major network.
“I think, with the trial and everything, people are wondering what’s going to happen. People have their personal opinions,” Paolini said.
Opinions on the hearing varied across the board.
“I believe he belongs in jail. I don’t think he’s a decent human being,” Maggy Owens, a La Quinta resident said.
“I think he looks very humble. I watched all morning and I think he’s done some things in prison to do the right thing,” Dave Monroe added.
Many looked back at the infamous 1995 murder case.
“I think it’s intriguing because of the murders. I don’t think this particular thing [parole hearing] is as interesting to most people, as the fact that he was involved in a double murder,” Irv, a La Quinta resident said.
For some people, like Stan Paltin, the hearing was a little more personal.
“I was in his home, where he lived with Nicole Simpson. I sat there and watched the George Foreman fight with him. He was a very personable guy. It’s hard to envision him murdering his wife. I believe he was innocent the whole time. I actually looked at the wall he supposedly jumped over. I watched him walk in person and I don’t think he could’ve jumped it,” Paltin said.
Check out full coverage of the parole board hearing
Arnelle Simpson, O.J. Simpson’s oldest daughter, said her father was “my best friend and my rock” on Thursday at his parole hearing.”My dad recognizes that he took the wrong approach and he could have handled the situation differently,” she said. “Throughout this ordeal we have remained close, we have stayed strong.”
O.J. Simpson gave a lengthy explanation of his 2007 armed robbery and kidnapping, deflecting blame and saying that his associates should have served time in prison for bringing a weapon.
“Unfortunately, they got a get-out-of-jail-free card when they said ‘O.J. told me (to do it),'” Simpson said. “Nothing I can do about that.”
Simpson also said he has taken two “Alternative to Violence” classes, which he said was “the most important course any person in this prison can take.”
We’ll post more information as Thursday’s proceedings continue.
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