OJ Simpson's handwritten 'suicide note' that he signed with a smiley face

11 April 2024 , 20:39

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OJ Simpson left behind a handwritten 'suicide note' for friends before taking off in his white Bronco on a slow-speed police car chase that ultimately ended with his arrest in his own driveway

An old 'suicide note' left by OJ Simpson has resurfaced as the football player-turned-accused-killer's death was announced by his family this morning.

Earning fame for his football career, OJ Simpson's life was quickly overshadowed by the 1994 gristly murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman. Though Simpson was boarding a plane when the news broke about their deaths, he was quickly rushed back to the scene and interviewed.

Authorities let OJ know he had until the day after Nicole Brown's funeral, June 17, 1994, to turn himself in, and if he failed to show up at the station, they'd come to his home. When OJ didn't show, police drove to his home, where they discovered that Simpson had fled - leaving behind one chilling note, signed with a smiley face.

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O.J. Simpson's "Suicide Letter" and the smiley face he signed it with

"To whom it may concern," began the note, "Don't feel sorry for me. I've had a great life, great friends. Please think of the real OJ and not this lost person. Thanks for making my life special. I hope I helped yours. Peace and love, OJ." The 'O' in his name contained a little smiley face.

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Upon seeing the note, The Los Angeles Police Department gave out an all-points bulletin - which in the US is a radio message that is sent to every officer in a police force giving details of a suspected criminal or stolen vehicle.

Motorists wave as police cars pursue the Ford Bronco (white, R) driven by Al Cowlings, carrying O.J. Simpson, on a 90-minute slow-speed car chase June 17, 1994 on the 405 freeway in Los Angeles, California (Getty Images)

By 5pm that day, Robert Kardashian, OJ's lawyer, and Kim K's father, read the suicide note for the public. An hour later, a driver saw Simpson in the signature white Bronco driving with pal Al Cowlings and phoned police.

They were then ID’d by cops and chased down slowly over 60 miles with news helicopters following them throughout. Simpson drove the white Bronco back to his home at 8pm, where he got out of the car after a long period of time. In the car, police found makeup glue, a fake moustache and a goatee, as well as Simpson’s passport and a gun.

Nicole Brown Simpson and O.J. with their children children attending the Naked Gun premiere (WireImage)

Portrait of American former foorball player OJ Simpson and his wife, Nicole Brown (1959 - 1994) (Getty Images)

After a lengthy, and very public, court case, which was dubbed the 'trial of the century', Simpson was acquitted of the killings. But Nicole and Ron's families filed a civil suit against the fallen star, which they won. Simpson was ordered to pay them £26million in compensation for the victims' wrongful deaths.

Today, high-profile attorney Gloria Allred commented after OJ's death announcement, reminding individuals that they should never forget the court case. "I feel that the system failed Nicole Brown Simpson and failed battered women everywhere," Allred said.

"I don't mourn for O.J. Simpson, I do mourn for Nicole Brown Simpson and her family and they should be remembered."

Yelena Mandenberg