Simpson Murder Case : Thursday’s Witnesses

Detective Tom Lange, one of two lead investigators in the case. Described the scene of the crime, the evidence recovered and the efforts made to ensure that the evidence was properly handled.

* Detective Philip L. Vannatter, the other lead investigator and Lange’s partner. Described how certain evidence was recovered and protected from contamination. Said he noticed a bandage on Simpson’s left hand when the athlete returned from Chicago on the day after the murders.

* Thano Peratis, registered nurse who works at the Downtown jail. Said he took a blood sample from Simpson when he was being questioned by police about the killings. The procedure was standard and the sample was placed in an envelope, which was sealed.

* Dennis Fung, a criminalist who works for the LAPD. Testified about what he did to collect and analyze stains and other items found at the murder scene and at Simpson’s home.

* Gregory Matheson, a supervising criminalist at the LAPD crime lab. Began his testimony late Thursday, giving his credentials and explaining the procedures used to test blood. Matheson returns to the stand today.