Simpson wins custody of his children

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O.J. Simpson's statement following the ruling

Brown family's statement

In their own words: Reactions to the Simpson custody ruling

December 20, 1996
Web posted at: 9:25 p.m. EST

FULLERTON, California (CNN) -- Overcoming charges that he abused his wife and suspicions that he was responsible for her murder, O.J. Simpson Friday won custody of his two youngest children.

Superior Court Judge Nancy Wieben-Stock ruled Friday that Sydney, 11, and Justin, 8, would be returned to Simpson.

The children have been living with their grandparents, Louis and Juditha Brown, since Simpson was arrested in June 1994 for the murders of their mother Nicole Brown Simpson and friend Ronald Goldman.

"It may be disturbing to some, but it's not surprising legally," said CNN's Roger Cossack. "In California there is a presumption that children should be with their parents."

Immediately after the ruling, Simpson issued a written statement to CNN: "We are all so very grateful today to have the children home again where they want to be."

The Brown family also issued a statement after the ruling: "It is with great sadness and concern that we received the news today that the judge has decided to terminate the guardianship."

"We love Sydney and Justin and pray for their safety and well-being as they return to their father."

But the Brown's Attorney Natasha Roit was less circumspect. She blasted the judge's order, saying she ignored clear evidence of domestic violence by Simpson, and signs Simpson could become violent again.

"It is illogical to us that she can decide a case on domestic violence...without considering the evidence of murder," Roit said.

In her decision, Judge Wieben-Stock said visitation rights for the Browns would be worked out later.

After his acquittal more than a year ago, Simpson began the legal fight to regain custody.

In the child custody trial, the Browns contended that Simpson, who signed over temporary guardianship to them after his arrest, is an unfit parent. Simpson's lawyers argued he has a right to full custody as the biological father of the children.

The trial, which began November 12, was closed to the public and a gag order was imposed on all parties.

It all began the night the children's mother, Nicole Brown Simpson, was killed on June 12, 1994. The youngsters were in bed in her condo as she and her friend Ron Goldman were slashed to death outside.

Simpson was acquitted of criminal charges in the slayings. He is now on trial in civil court on a wrongful-death suit filed by his former in-laws and Goldman's family.

At Nicole's funeral, Sydney seemed somewhat dazed. She and her younger brother appeared at their father's side.

Later that week would come the famous low-speed Bronco chase and O.J. Simpson's arrest. But not before his friend Al Cowlings read a letter from Simpson in which he spoke of his children.

"As a last wish, please, please, please leave my children in peace," Simpson said in the note.

It didn't quite work out that way. The children were soon engulfed by the media hurricane swirling around the case.

By some accounts, Sydney and Justin began to resume a near- normal lifestyle when the proceedings against their father began. By that time, the two children were living with their grandparents.

Then came the acquittal that put Simpson back into their lives with weekend visits, and a custody battle with Nicole's parents.

The Browns reportedly centered their case around allegations that Simpson abused Nicole. They also argued their family values were more consistent with the way their daughter raised Sydney and Justin.

Simpson's attorneys argued that he, as the biological parent, should be allowed to care for his own children. They also took the tack that their client wanted to raise his children, in part, to better acquaint them with their African-American heritage.

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