Mark Fuhrman, the detective central to the O.J. Simpson murder trial, has passed away. Fuhrman discovered key evidence but faced controversy over his testimony. Racist recordings later emerged, damaging his credibility. He was convicted of perjury. Fuhrman later worked as a true crime author and radio host. His death brings renewed attention to the landmark case.

A close friend of Fuhrman told TMZ that the former detective had been privately battling an aggressive form of throat cancer.

Fuhrman later shouldered some of the blame for Simpson’s acquittal in 1995. The detective was later convicted of lying on the witness stand.