OJ Simpson to hold fund raising event for victims of crime

OJ Simpson is reaching out to Los Angeles' black community with a fund-raiser at his estate today for Stop the Violence - Increase the Peace, a group working with gang members and victims of domestic abuse. Mr Simpson's plans for a reception, with suggested donations of up to $10,000, have won the blessing of African American community leaders, but critics called the event "ghoulish", and womens' groups promised a counter-rally. A judge in the civil law suit brought against Mr Simpson by the families of his ex-wife Nicole and her friend Ronald Goldman, brought after a jury found him not guilty of their murders last year, has ruled against him on a key issue. Judge Alan Haber said Mr Simpson's attorneys must explain exactly how they believe evidence against him, including blood found in his bedroom and Bronco truck, was planted. The case is set to go to trial in September.

Tim Cornwell - Los Angeles