Mark Furhman to discuss tell-all murder book

Mark Fuhrman, retired Los Angeles police department detective made famous by his role in the O.J. Simpson murder case of 1996, will stop on campus during a tour of his new book Murder in Spokane: Catching a Serial Killer.

Fuhrman's appearance tonight at 7 in 220 Kane may be reminiscent of David Horowitz's May 1 visit to campus. Students heckled conservative firebrand Horowitz when he spoke in Kane Hall. Horowitz, an advocate against providing reparations for slavery, placed full-page ads in more than 50 college newspapers nationwide to express his view and, as he claims, stimulate dialogue on racial issues.

"There will be more people to argue with him than to support him, if they have time," said Nissa Wanichsuksombat of Fuhrman's appearance. Wanichsuksombat is the director of the Asian Student Commission.

During the Simpson trial, the defense attorneys argued that Fuhrman was a racist. As evidence, they used accounts and tape recordings of him referring to African americans as "niggers." Fuhrman denied using the slurs, but was convicted of perjury.

Fuhrman, because of attacks made on his character, became the centerpiece in the Simpson defense's theory that Simpson had been set up. The evidence, including the bloody glove and blood samples, had been planted by the LAPD, Simpson's defense claimed.

"It seems he gained notoriety from the O.J. case, and it seems like he's using that to publicize [his book]," Wanichsuksombat said. "But I don't think it will really work."

Because of the possible student protests, a UWPD officer will escort Fuhrman during his time on campus. A number of officers will be on hand to maintain order during the talk.

"We anticipate some heckling, but that's not always uncommon," said Kim Ricketts, events coordinator for the University Book Store.

Although Fuhrman's visit is controversial, Ricketts said the appearance of Sonny Barger, the head of Hell's Angels, got the most objections in recent memory. The Seattle Police was upset because Seattle is another motorcycle gang's turf, and many were concerned whether it was right to put a "fool" and "someone who's murdered people" on stage.

"It is the job of an independent bookstore to bring all viewpoints to campus even if it's not your flavor," Ricketts said.

Ricketts said that, from what she knows of Fuhrman's other speaking engagements, he is quite professional and capable of dealing with protests. He will focus on his book and can look upset when the discussion dives too far into the O.J. case.

Murder in Spokane: Catching a Serial Killer details the story of prostitutes murdered in Spokane, Wash. Ten prostitutes were murdered and dumped in public places over the course of a decade. In August of 1997, two bodies were discovered in separate locations on the same day, and an investigation was started. Fuhrman plays the part of detective turned radio talk-show host. The book is non-fiction.

The bookstore has already sold more copies than expected because of Fuhrman's speaking commitment, Ricketts said. Tickets are required for the event.

"I don't have any objections [to him speaking]," Wanichsuksombat said. "It's important to hear all sides of the story. It doesn't mean I agree with him."