Ron Goldman's Family Has Been Vocal About O.J. Simpson's Parole Hearing

The family of O.J. Simpson has an invested interest in his parole hearing, and the lone remaining victim of his armed robbery has said he welcomes his release. But Ron Goldman's family spoke against Simpson's parole hearing, saying in a statement that they are respecting the process but would prefer that he not be released due to their belief that Simpson killed Goldman along with his ex-wife, Nicole Brown. Simpson was acquitted of all charges in 1994.

Goldman's father, Fred, and sister, Kim, released the statement on July 14 through a family spokesperson that noted they were "anxiously awaiting" the parole hearing. The statement reads:

While they respect the legal process, they are feeling both frustration and anticipation over how this will change their lives again should Simpson be released. As with all victims and survivors, they will remain patient and optimistic that the system will do what is necessary to ensure the public’s safety remains a priority and that proper justice will be served.

This was more guarded language than the last time the family spoke about Simpson publicly. In February both Fred and Kim appeared on ABC's Good Morning America. Fred told the news program that the idea of Simpson being freed filled him with "disgust." Kim used even more charged language: "He did a horrible, heinous crime and I have no feeling except rot in hell."

Simpson, of course, was not found guilty for the murder charges stemming from Goldman's death, but his family did pursue a civil suit against Simpson. He was found liable for the deaths of Goldman and Brown, but the Goldmans did not receive the closure they were hoping for.

"Despite us winning, it left us very empty," Fred said on Good Morning America. "But I think it set an upward path for other victims and survivors. And I think it gave a lot of room for people to start rebuilding and healing when you get to be in the driver's seat."

The parole hearing will be Thursday at 1 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on live national television. The decision will be given at the hearing. All four parole board members must be convinced to release Simpson. If they're not, another two will weigh in. Four of the six must approve his release. A three-three split would result in him staying in prison.

Legal experts think that Simpson will likely be let go, given that he was given early release on some of his other counts back in 2013. If he is granted parole, he would remain in jail until Oct. 1. He may then have a year of community service or probation that would keep him in Nevada.