O.J. Simpson's mother testified from a wheelchair that her pension money and Social Security checks pay for a leased vehicle driven by her son, so it shouldn't be considered his property.
Eunice Simpson testified Thursday as lawyers battled over whether the sport utility vehicle and a baby grand piano seized from Simpson's estate should go toward the $33.5 million judgment he owes to the families of his slain ex-wife and her friend.Simpson, acquitted of murdering Ronald Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson, was held liable for the killings in a subsequent civil trial.
Superior Court Judge David Perez tentatively ruled that the $20,000 piano was a gift from Simpson to his mother but gave a lawyer for Fred Goldman time to file more legal briefs supporting his claim. A hearing was scheduled for Aug. 21.
The judge postponed ruling on the $40,000 car, which Simpson has been driving since the keys were presented to him on his 50th birthday in July. The car can't be attached by creditors until the issue is resolved at another hearing Aug. 25, Perez said.
Eunice Simpson testified that she leased the car, borrowing the down payment from church friends and relatives. She said she will pay the $590 a month lease payment from her pension and Social Security.
Eunice Simpson, a former nurse's aide, testified she receives a $1,991-a-month pension from San Francisco city and county, and $820 a month in Social Security.
She said she has limited expenses.