Shivangi Sinha
On the morning of June 12, 1994, when Nicole Brown Simpson’s parents received a phone call, they immediately sensed something was terribly wrong. Upon hearing the devastating news of her murder, her mother, Juditha Brown, let out a heart-wrenching scream and collapsed to her knees, while her father, Louis Brown, was equally shattered. Their beloved daughter, whom they had seen just hours earlier, was gone, leaving them with more questions than answers. Netflix’s ‘American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson’ features interviews with Nicole’s parents, offering a raw and emotional portrayal of their pain and the immense challenges they faced in their pursuit of justice.
Juditha and Louis Brown Had Dinner With Nicole Simpson the Night She Was Killed
Louis Hezekiah Brown Jr. was born on August 10, 1923, in Havana, Kansas, into a modest family. His father, Louis Sr., worked as a truck driver, but Louis had ambitious dreams of achieving more in life. He initially attended a business college in Texas but left before completing his degree to join the Army during World War II. As a captain in the Army Air Forces, he piloted B-17 bombers and, after the war, flew photo reconnaissance missions in Europe and North Africa. Following his military service, he worked for Stars and Stripes Publications in Germany. It was during this period that he met his future wife, Juditha Anne Baur. Born on January 21, 1931, in Stuttgart, Germany, she was known for her undeniable European charm and elegance.
Louis and Juditha married in Switzerland and settled in Frankfurt, West Germany, where they welcomed their two eldest daughters, Denise and Nicole Brown. Louis had four children from a previous relationship: Wendy Kirk, Margit Carr, Tracy Brown, and Rolf Baur. When Denise and Nicole were toddlers, the family relocated to California, where they expanded their family with the birth of two more daughters, Dominique and Tanya. Their life seemed full and joyful during this time. Louis transitioned into real estate and later worked in the insurance industry, among other ventures, to provide for his growing family.
Louis and Juditha were incredibly proud of their daughters and remained steadfast pillars of support for them. In 1989, when Margit passed away, the family came together and supported one another during this challenging time. Louis and Juditha took great pride in their children and stood by them through thick and thin. During Nicole’s marriage and tumultuous divorce from O.J. Simpson, they provided her with a lot of emotional support. On June 12, 1994, they attended their granddaughter Sydney Brown’s recital alongside Nicole. After the recital, the family went to Mezzaluna restaurant for dinner. While leaving, Juditha accidentally dropped her glasses, which prompted her to call the restaurant later that evening.
Juditha and Louis Brown Looked After Their Grandchildren While O.J. Simpson Awaited His Trial
At 9:30 pm, Juditha Brown called Mezzaluna restaurant to inquire about her glasses. Ron Goldman, who worked there and was a friend of Nicole’s, offered to drop them off at her home in Brentwood, California. Just a few hours later, he was found murdered outside the house alongside Nicole. The following morning, at around 6:30 am, O.J.’s daughter, Arnelle Simpson, called Juditha to inform her of the devastating news. Denise later recalled hearing a piercing scream from her mother’s room and discovering the heartbreaking truth about the murders. Both Juditha and Louis, along with the rest of the family, immediately pointed fingers at O.J. and accused him of the double homicide.
As the family laid their beloved Nicole to rest, O.J. attended the funeral. Juditha later testified in court that he leaned over his ex-wife’s coffin and tearfully said, “I’m so sorry, Nicki. I’m so sorry.” He even accompanied the former on the ride back from the service. During the infamous Bronco Chase on June 17, 1994, O.J. called Juditha and told her he was heading toward their house and that he intended to “join” Nicole. Fearing he was planning to take his own life, Juditha and Louis immediately called 911. Following O.J.’s arrest, the couple patiently awaited justice. The 1995 criminal trial was an incredibly difficult experience for them, yet they sat through it in pursuit of the truth. However, when graphic photos of Nicole’s remains were shown in court, both of them were so overcome with emotion that they had to leave the courtroom.
During the time O.J. was in prison awaiting trial, Nicole’s two children, Sydney and Justin, were placed under the guardianship of Juditha and Louis. In 1996, the couple faced a custody battle with their former son-in-law but ultimately lost. That same year, however, the Browns, along with Ron Goldman’s family, won a civil suit against O.J. They were jointly awarded $33.5 million in compensatory and punitive damages. Shortly afterward, O.J. relocated to Miami, Florida, making it difficult for Juditha and Louis to see their grandchildren often. One of Juditha’s daughters later shared that their mother would frequently cry, feeling as though she had lost another piece of Nicole. The separation from Sydney and Justin weighed heavily on the family, and it deepened their grief over Nicole’s absence.
Juditha and Louis Brown Fought Many Legal Battles in Their Lives but Never Lost Hope
In 1997, Juditha and Louis Brown also privately settled a dispute of $260,000 that they allegedly made from selling Nicole’s private items like her diary. In the aftermath of the case, Louis became a passionate advocate for women experiencing domestic violence. In 1994, he had already established the Nicole Brown Foundation to support victims of domestic abuse, and after the trial, he dedicated himself to the cause with renewed determination. In 1997, Louis co-authored the book ‘Stop Domestic Violence: An Action Plan for Saving Lives,’ alongside two other contributors, further emphasizing his commitment to raising awareness and providing resources for victims. The Browns channeled their grief into efforts that honored Nicole’s memory, turning their pain into impactful advocacy work.
Nicole’s memory remained a central part of their lives, and they always kept her close to their hearts. By July 2014, Louis’ health had significantly declined after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. At the same time, Juditha was battling breast cancer but remained devoted to caring for her husband. Surrounded by his family in his final days, Louis passed away peacefully on July 3, 2014, at his home in Dana Point, California.
Shortly after his passing, the family sold the house, and Juditha moved to Laguna Niguel, California. On November 8, 2020, she passed away peacefully in her home. She was remembered for her resilience and strength in the face of her daughter Nicole’s murder and for holding firm to her convictions throughout the years. Though Louis and Juditha faced immense challenges, they lived their lives with grace, overcoming some of the most difficult times for their family hand in hand. Their legacy is one of courage, love, and unparalleled devotion to each other and their children.
Read More: Marguerite Whitley: Where is OJ Simpson’s Ex-Wife Now?
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