Wecht: DNA Evidence Not Likely To Be Found On Knife From Simpson Estate, But Not Impossible
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Noted forensic pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht is weighing in on the discovery of a knife apparently found on property that once belonged to O.J. Simpson.
While he says it's unlikely to find DNA evidence on a knife that old, it's not an impossibility.
"You may find DNA, that's possible," said Dr. Wecht. "You'll look for fingerprints and blood. I don't think it's likely you're going to get fingerprints or blood."
The LAPD is now testing the knife a construction worker allegedly found on the property once owned by Simpson. He gave it to an officer years ago, who never turned it over until recently.
"Within the last month, LAPD became aware of an item that was allegedly recovered by a citizen at the Rockingham property, possibly during the demolition of the site," said Lt. Andrew Neiman of the LAPD.
Dr. Wecht, who wrote about the Simpson case in one of his books, says it means nothing if Simpson's DNA is found on it.
"So what? It's from his home," he said.
And since Simpson was acquitted and can't be tried again, it doesn't mean anything legally even if DNA from Simpson, Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman are all found.
"If it's just O.J.'s, even with one or two of the victims, so what? People will say 'a travesty of justice,' 'we told you along' and so on. It's not going to lead to anything," said Dr. Wecht.
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However, he says the scenario that could move the case forward is if a third person's DNA is found: "What if they find somebody else's prints and Nicole and or Ron Goldman's? Now then, you may have something," said Dr. Wecht. "Now then, the case may be looked at again."
Aside from DNA evidence, Dr. Wecht says experts will have to look at whether the knife is consistent with the type of stab wounds and could even possibly be the murder weapon.
NBC News is reporting that sources say the knife is inconsistent with the murders but that forensic testing must still be done to conclusively rule it out.
Some are suspicious over the timing of this discovery, since there's a new TV mini-series about the case.
"Isn't that an incredible fortuitous that we get this now, with this television series," said Dr. Wecht with a smile. "It makes you wonder."