Nearly 30 years after the shocking murder of their mother, the children of O.J. Simpson and Nicole Brown are living healthy lives despite their tragic past.
David Brobeck, the former neighbor of the Brown family and the godfather of Justin Simpson, revealed to PEOPLE that Justin and his sister, Sydney, found a “good life” after their mother’s death and their father’s infamous murder trial.
“They’ve grown up, and they have their own families now,” Brobeck said about the Simpson children. “And they’re doing really well. They’re solid solid people and parents, and we just wish them all the best and give them lots of love.”
Brobeck also said he and his wife, Gaye, are still in touch with Justin. “He’s a really solid young man. I still call him a kid or young man, he’s like 35 years old – Yeah just a great person, and his wife [Alycia Browne] is wonderful and their little child [Lana] is wonderful.”
Brobeck also recalled him and Gaye being extra close to the Simpson children during O.J.’s 1995 trial. Justin and Sydney, who stayed with Nicole’s parents, Lou and Judy, for a while, spent “almost every day” with the Brobecks.
“We live in a guarded area,” Brobeck shared. “So the media could not get in here, which was a blessing. And so the kids were, I think, very well protected and loved by a lot of folks here.”
He further pointed out that he and Gaye would always take the Simpson children places that were “really safe.” He described Justin and Sydney as his “practice grandkids” because of their bond.
O.J. Simpson and Nicole Brown’s children have kept out of the media spotlight. The NFL star shares three other children with his first ex-wife, Marguerite Whitley.
O.J. Simpson Said He And Nicole Brown’s Children Were ‘Doing Terrific’ 10 Years After Their Mother’s Death
During a 2004 NBC News interview with Katie Couric, O.J. Simpson spoke about how his and Nicole Brown’s children, Justin and Sydney, were doing 10 years after their mother’s murder.
“They’re doing terrific,” Simpson said at the time. “I mean, I couldn’t be more proud of them. They’re both excellent students, honor students.”
He also said Sydney was accepted into a “northeastern” college. When asked if it was hard for her to attend graduation without her mother being there, O.J. said it was an emotional time.
“I mean, my biggest problem probably when I think of Nicole the most is with girls,” he explained. “Their problems are more emotional. guys [do] dumb things, you know.”
O.J. Simpson said his children had been supported by his sister Shirley, his eldest daughter, and Nicole’s mother. “I have to go to them,” he continued. Because I feel ill-equipped to deal with the problems.”
O.J. Simpson died on April 10 while battling prostate cancer. His four living children were reportedly with him at the time of his death.