LOS ANGELES -- O.J. Simpson, in his first public appearance since his dramatic arrest, said Monday he is "not guilty" of the stabbing murders of his ex-wife and her friend.
Lawyer Robert Shapiro also pressed for quick release to the defense of evidence the prosecution says proves Simpson is the "sole murderer" of Nicole Simpson and Ronald Goldman.
A dazed and hollow-cheeked Simpson, 46, winced slightly as the charges were read.
The football hero was not allowed to wear a tie, belt or shoelaces to court because he is under a suicide watch in jail.
Shapiro kept his hand on Simpson's shoulder through much of the hearing.
He says Simpson is "very depressed, exceedingly emotional" and still on medication.
Prosecutor Marcia Clark said after the hearing Simpson is the "sole murderer" and she will "prove premeditation."
But Shapiro says "there has been so much speculation. . . . It's time to turn . . . to the system of justice."
He also noted the absence of physical evidence and said police analysis of blood evidence wasn't conclusive and Simpson had no scratches on his body.
Police believe there was a struggle at the murder scene.
If convicted, he could face the death penalty; prosecutors haven't said they would seek it.
Municipal Judge Patti Jo McKay scheduled a hearing Wednesday to ensure evidence has been given to Shapiro.
She also set a June 30 preliminary hearing, which would force prosecutors to present their evidence.
It would become moot if a grand jury - reportedly in session - indicts Simpson.
Meanwhile, police today will again search a field near the Chicago hotel he flew to June 12, the night of the murders.
"We are looking for a murder weapon," says L.A. Detective Bert Luper - probably a 15-inch knife.
Shapiro also says:
-- Simpson didn't try to escape Friday; he planned to kill himself at his ex-wife's grave.
Lifelong friend "Al Cowlings talked him out of that."
-- Doctors are conducting tests on a swollen lymph node in Simpson's armpit; he tested negative for HIV.
