27 jurors picked for O.J. Simpson trial

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- The judge in the armed robbery and kidnapping trial of ex-football star O.J. Simpson in Las Vegas says speedy proceedings have led to 27 jurors being picked.

Clark County District Judge Jackie Glass said following a lengthy court session this week that thanks to the efforts of prosecutors and defense attorneys, 27 of the 40 people needed for the jury panel had been selected, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Thursday.

"The end is near, folks," Glass said after Wednesday's session in which 15 of the jurors were selected.

Attorneys on both sides said they were prepared to work hard to reach 40 jurors and then cut down to the final 12 in order to remain out of court Friday and begin trying Simpson's case Monday.

Simpson first gained fame as a running back for the University of Southern California and later for the NFL's Buffalo Bills. He gained notoriety for his 1994 acquittal in the deaths of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman.

The Review-Journal said Simpson faces charges alongside co-defendant Clarence Stewart in the alleged 2007 theft of sports memorabilia at Las Vegas' Palace Station. Simpson maintains he was only trying to retrieve property that belonged to him.