Kim and Fred Goldman Endorse Chris Darden for L.A. Superior Court Judge

Kim and Fred Goldman, the sister and father of Ronald Goldman, who was murdered along with Nicole Brown Simpson in 1994, have endorsed former O.J. Simpson prosecutor Christopher Darden in his bid for a seat on the L.A. County Superior Court, Darden’s campaign announced Monday.

Superior Court judges in California are elected in county-wide elections. All registered voters residing in Pasadena are eligible to vote in this judicial election. 

“Christopher Darden was a friend to my family during one of the darkest times in our lives,” Kim Goldman said in a statement. “He helped change the focus of a `celebrity murder trial’ and made it about the victims. My family has never forgotten that, and I am sure it is remembered by countless other family members for whom he has been an advocate and a champion.”

Goldman added, “He not only has the legal skills but also the humanity and empathy for victims, along with a true dedication to ensuring justice for all. My family wholeheartedly supports him and encourages everyone else to do the same. He will be an outstanding judge.”

The 67-year-old Darden has been an attorney for more than 40 years, and worked as a county prosecutor for 15 years. He is best known for serving as a lead prosecutor in the Simpson case, in which the former football star was accused of killing his ex-wife and her friend, Ron Goldman. Simpson was acquitted in the closely watched murder case, but was held liable for the deaths in a subsequent civil trial.

Darden is one of three candidates on the March 5 ballot for Judge for Superior Court Office No. 130. The other candidates are Leslie Gutierrez, an L.A. County deputy district attorney; and attorney Osman M. Taher.

Darden has also received the endorsement of Lance Ito, the now-retired judge who oversaw the Simpson murder trial in downtown Los Angeles. Years before the trial, Darden and Ito worked together as prosecutors in the district attorney’s office in what was then known as the Hardcore Gang Division.

Darden also worked in the district attorney’s Special Investigation Division, where he investigated criminal activity and corruption by public officials including law enforcement personnel.

“I can’t tell you how much the support of the Goldman family means to me,” Darden said. “They have sustained me through all the years of fighting for victims and their families. Kim Goldman and her continued advocacy is a daily reminder to me of why I do this for a living. Their support means so much to me. I am blessed every day to know Kim and Fred. They are always in my prayers and thoughts.”