Lance Ito at a Glance
What is Lance Ito’s Net Worth?
Lance Ito, the retired American judge, has a net worth of $4 million. He is best known for presiding over the infamous O.J. Simpson murder trial in 1995. This high-profile case catapulted Ito to international fame. He served on the bench of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, California, until his retirement in 2015. Ito’s courtroom was closed in 2012 due to budget cuts. Unlike many involved in the trial, Ito chose not to write a book or give interviews about his experiences, maintaining a relatively private life following the intense media scrutiny.
Early Life and Education
Lance Ito’s journey began on August 2, 1950, in Los Angeles, California. His parents, Jim and Toshi Ito, had faced internment during World War II, along with many other Japanese Americans, a significant historical context to his upbringing. Raised in the Mount Hollywood Congregational Church, Ito attended Sunday School and developed a strong sense of community. He displayed early leadership skills and academic prowess at John Marshall High School. He was the student body president and earned the Scholar-Athlete award in 1968 upon graduating.
After high school, Ito pursued higher education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he received his bachelor’s degree with honors in 1972. He then attended law school at the University of California, Berkeley, earning his J.D. in 1975. This strong educational background set the foundation for his future career in law and the judiciary.
Early Career and Judicial Appointments
Ito began his career in 1977 at the Los Angeles district attorney’s office. He gained experience in various specialized units, including the hardcore gang unit, organized crime unit, and terror unit, honing his legal skills. Ito’s performance led to his appointment as a judge to the Municipal Court in 1987 by Republican Governor George Deukmejian. Two years later, in 1989, he was elevated to the Superior Court.
During his early judicial career, Ito presided over several significant cases. One notable case was the 1991 Latasha Harlins case, which involved the tragic death of a young girl at the hands of a convenience store clerk, Soon Ja Du. While he did not preside over the trial, Ito played a crucial role in the early stages, denying the district attorney’s request to revoke Du’s bail. He also oversaw the 1992 trial of financier Charles H. Keating Jr., related to the Lincoln Savings and Loan scandal. Keating was convicted on 17 counts of fraud, racketeering, and conspiracy, and Ito sentenced him to the maximum 10-year term. However, the conviction was later overturned on appeal because of flawed jury instructions.
(Photo by Ted Soqui/Sygma via Getty Images)
The O.J. Simpson Trial: Ito’s Most Prominent Case
The O.J. Simpson murder trial in 1995 stands as the pinnacle of Ito’s career, bringing him worldwide recognition. The case’s high profile, the involvement of celebrities, and Ito’s controversial decision to allow televised coverage, ensured that the trial dominated media and public attention. Some observers characterized Ito as enjoying the attention, and concerns arose that the length of the trial may have been extended by too many recesses and sidebars.
Ito’s marriage to Margaret York, who had previously been the superior officer to Detective Mark Fuhrman, added another layer of complexity and controversy to the case. Fuhrman was a key figure in the investigation, and Simpson’s defense team attempted to discredit him by presenting evidence of his alleged racism. This involved playing recordings of Fuhrman using racial slurs and disparaging remarks about York. The prosecution initially considered requesting Ito to recuse himself, fearing potential bias, but they withdrew their request to avoid a potential mistrial. Ultimately, Simpson was acquitted, a verdict that divided public opinion.
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Post-Simpson Trial Career and Retirement
Following the O.J. Simpson trial, Ito adhered to ethical guidelines for judges in California, declining to give any interviews about the case. However, his role in the trial led to parodies and portrayals in popular media, including appearances on “Saturday Night Live,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” and “Pinky and the Brain.” Kenneth Choi portrayed him in the 2016 series, “The People vs. O.J. Simpson.”
In the later years of his judicial career, Ito focused on judicial reform, notably working to increase the availability of court interpreters and enforce regulations designed to protect foreign-national defendants. In 2012, budget cuts led to the closure of his courtroom, along with many others, and Ito retired in 2015. Ito’s legacy includes the significant impact he had on the public’s perception of the judicial system, amplified by his handling of a landmark case.
Personal Life and Family
Ito met Margaret Ann York, a police officer, at a murder scene in Eagle Rock, California. They married in 1981. York was the first woman to reach the rank of Deputy Chief in the Los Angeles Police Department, and was the highest-ranking woman officer when she retired in 2002. York and her partner were the inspiration for the television show “Cagney & Lacey.” Ito and York had two sons and remained married until York died in 2021. His personal life, intertwined with the high-profile career of his wife, further highlighted his connection to law enforcement and the legal world.
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