In the wake of O.J. Simpson’s death on April 10, 2024, the families of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson are preparing to stake their claim on the former football star’s remaining assets. Simpson, who was found liable for the wrongful deaths of Goldman and Brown in a 1997 civil trial, owed the families a staggering $96 million at the time of his passing.
Renewed Efforts to Collect Judgment
Fred Goldman, Ron’s father, had been relentlessly pursuing Simpson’s assets for years in an attempt to collect on the civil judgment. Despite his efforts, Goldman revealed in 2021 that Simpson had only paid a mere $132,000 of the original $33.5 million awarded, which had ballooned to $70 million with interest.
In 2022, Fred Goldman asked the court to renew the judgment, which had swelled to $96 million. Simpson did not respond to the filings.
Now, with Simpson’s death, the Goldman and Brown families may have a stronger chance of claiming his remaining assets through the probate process.
The Probate Process
Regardless of whether Simpson had a will, his assets will likely undergo probate in the state where he resided, which is expected to be Nevada. If substantial assets are located in California or Florida, separate probate proceedings could occur in those states as well.
During probate, creditors, including the Goldman and Brown families, will have the opportunity to stake their claim on Simpson’s assets. “I do think it’s going to be quite challenging for them to collect,” attorney Christopher Melcher opined. “We don’t know what O.J. has been able to earn over the years.
Simpson’s Dwindling Assets
At the height of his fame, Simpson boasted an estimated net worth of $11 million.
However, his assets quickly diminished following the wrongful death civil trial. The Goldman family seized his Heisman Trophy, which sold at auction for $500,000, with most of the money going towards expenses related to the case.
Simpson’s $25,000 per month NFL pension and his heavily mortgaged Rockingham home were protected from seizure.
Kim Goldman, Ron’s sister, remained convinced that Simpson had hidden assets, stating, “The murderer went to great lengths to conceal all of his assets, leaving us constantly encountering obstacles.
The Goldmans’ Pursuit of Justice
The Goldman family’s relentless pursuit of justice has been a central focus in the years following the civil trial. They have seized various assets, including the rights to Simpson’s controversial book “If I Did It.
which they ultimately published to prevent Simpson from profiting from the murders. Fred Goldman expressed his feelings about Simpson’s death, stating, “The only thing I have to say is it’s just another reminder of Ron being gone all these years. It’s no great loss to the world.
Looking Ahead
As the probate process unfolds, the Goldman and Brown families will likely continue their efforts to collect on the civil judgment. The coming months may provide clarity on the extent of Simpson’s remaining assets and whether the families will finally find a measure of justice they have long sought. While the criminal trial and subsequent acquittal of O.J. Simpson remains a defining moment in American history, the civil case and the families’ tireless pursuit of accountability serve as a reminder of the enduring impact of the tragic events of June 12, 1994.
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