It’s Official: O.J. Simpson Granted Parole for 2008 Las Vegas Robbery Conviction
Today (July 20), a parole board unanimously voted for the release of convicted felon and former football star O.J. Simpson.
Simpson was convicted of armed robbery in 2008 in a heist that involved trying to steal sports memorabilia from a Las Vegas hotel room. Simpson has served the minimum nine years of his 33-year sentence and as such, was granted a parole hearing. And now, The Juice is a step closer to being a free man again. Given his good behavior and the subsequent positive ruling, 70-year-old Simpson might be released from prison as early as October.
While in the hearing room, Simpson seemed to be in relatively high spirits, even laughing during the hearing when the parole board chairwoman erroneously noted that he was 90. “Feels like it though,” Simpson said, eliciting laughter from everyone in the room.
Simpson stuck with the story he has had all along regarding that fateful night that caused him to serve nine years of a 33-year sentence at Lovelock Correctional Center. He remained adamant about his intent of not trying to hurt anyone, and just trying to get what was rightfully his – his stolen property.
He was convicted of enlisting some men he barely knew, including two who had guns, to retrieve from two sports collectibles sellers some items that Simpson said were stolen from him a decade earlier – ESPN reports.
During the robbery, Simpson claimed to have made no threats and also said he pointed his gun at no one. Instead, his attention and intent was on the stolen memorabilia that belonged to him that were in the dealers’ hotel room. “In no way, shape, or form did I wish them any harm,” he stated to the people during his hearing.
Simpson also provided details of how he had been spending his sentence over the years. He made mention of mentorship, keeping other inmates out of trouble, and even taking an alternative-to-violence course. He emphasized his growth, punctuating the sentiments with his belief that he was a better person now.
“I’ve done my time,” he told the people of the hearing. ‘I’ve done it as well and respectfully as I think anybody can.”
Today’s hearing was the second hearing Simpson has requested since his time in prison. In 2013, his request for parole was denied. But, it looks like the second time was the charm for Simpson who received time off and sentencing credits for good behavior. As a result, his 33-year maximum sentence for his offense has been sliced tremendously. Upon his release, Simpson has made the request to plant his roots in Florida.
Those dreams will turn into plans soon enough for the former fan favorite athlete.
If you missed the live stream of his parole hearing, watch it here.
Photo Credit: Screengrab/CNN
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