THE O.J. SIMPSON MURDER TRIAL

UCLA Law School professor Peter Arenella and Loyola Law School professor Laurie Levenson offer their take on the O.J. Simpson trial. Joining them is defense lawyer Gigi Gordon, who will rotate with other experts as the case moves forward. Today’s topic: What did Robert Heidstra really hear and see, and which side did he help?

PETER ARENELLA

On the defense: “Heidstra’s testimony reinforced two defense themes: The murders occurred around 10:40 p.m., a time that makes O.J. a less-likely suspect, and the police had this information two weeks after the murders but ignored it in their “rush to judgment.” But his testimony cuts both ways because he saw a white Bronco-like car speed from Bundy.”

On the prosecution: “Why didn’t the prosecution call Heidstra if he was an ear-witness to the murders who saw a white car speeding from Bundy? Because he destroys their time by placing the murders at 10:40. Darden tried to convert him into a prosecution witness by suggesting his timing was off by a few minutes--minutes that make all the difference.”

LAURIE LEVENSON

On the defense: “Cochran was able to unnerve Darden but was less successful in derailing the prosecution’s case. Heidstra heard voices about 10:35 p.m., but he also saw a car that could be the Bronco. An American Airlines pilot helped the defense by saying he didn’t see a cut on O.J.’s hand, but he hurt them by noting that O.J. was wide awake at 2:45 a.m.”

On the prosecution: “Darden and Cochran went at it again over the race issue. Although it was a defense witness who allegedly made a racist comment, Darden was left to explain his actions to the court. Darden was at his best when he was subtle, like in suggesting that the dog headed south to follow his owner’s car.

GIGI GORDON

On the defense: “The pilot and couriers helped O.J., describing him as genial and gracious within an hour after he allegedly murdered two people. He seemed to be the public figure adored by all. But in closing arguments, prosecutors will try to turn that against O.J., contending that his calm demeanor showed his ability to put on a facade and how cold a killer he was.”

On the prosecution: “The prosecutors are like guerrilla fighters waiting in ambush for the defense witnesses. Darden took Heidstra apart. All of a sudden, Heidstra had the Akita wandering in the street at 10:35, which means the murder could have been committed earlier. And Heidstra admitted he saw a white vehicle, which prosecutors will argue was the Bronco.”

Compiled by HENRY WEINSTEIN / Los Angeles Times