PANDEMONIUM AT O.J. TRIAL

The Simpson prosecution was taken by surprise while questioning Criminalist Collin Yamauchi when he blurted out on the witness stand that he initially believed that O.J. Simpson had “an airtight alibi.” In the ensuing commotion, the jury was hustled out of the courtroom while prosecutors frantically attempted damage control. When Simpson attorney Johnnie Cochran, addressing Judge Ito, called Prosecutor Marcia Clark “hysterical,” Clark shot back that his “sexist” remark was unacceptable. Simpson chuckled, watching this exchange. Clark insisted that Yamauchi’s comment was not based on any knowledge of O.J.’s initial statement to the police, and should be disregarded. Ito did not immediately rule on whether he would order the jury to disregard Yamauchi’s statement.