O.J. Simpson granted parole in some convictions

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- O.J. Simpson won a small victory yesterday in his bid for freedom as Nevada granted him parole on some of his 2008 convictions for kidnapping and armed robbery involving the holdup of two sports memorabilia dealers at a Las Vegas hotel room.

But the decision doesn't mean the 66-year-old Simpson will be leaving prison anytime soon. The former NFL star was convicted on multiple charges and still faces at least four more years behind bars on sentences that were ordered to run consecutively.

The Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners released its decision in favor of Simpson's parole request. Commissioners noted Simpson's "positive institutional record" and his participation in programs addressing "behavior that led to incarceration." The board noted Simpson had no previous criminal convictions and still has consecutive sentences to serve in the Las Vegas case.

In Los Angeles, Simpson was tried for murder and acquitted in the 1994 deaths of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman.

In a statement to The Associated Press, Goldman's father and sister, Fred and Kim Goldman, said they respect the legal process but now feel a "sense of vulnerability."

"This is not our personal case against Simpson but since he's been incarcerated there has been a reprieve and calm for us," they said. "It is unsettling for our family to know that the person we believe responsible for Ron and Nicole's murder could soon have his freedom."

Simpson and his legal team were pleased with the ruling.

"We expected it," Patricia Palm, one of his current lawyers, told the AP shortly after the order was issued. "There is no reason not to grant him parole. I'm glad they did what they should have done."

Palm said Simpson called from prison to let her know of the board's decision. "He's very happy and grateful," she said.