How Nicole Brown Simpson’s Mother Told Her Children, then 8 and 5, She Was Dead: ‘Mommy’s in Heaven’ (Exclusive)

How Nicole Brown Simpson’s Mother Broke the News to Her Children: ‘Mommy’s in Heaven’ (Exclusive)

Nicole Brown Simpson’s mother, Juditha, handled the difficult task of informing Nicole’s young children, Sydney and Justin, about their mother’s tragic death with utmost sensitivity. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, one of Nicole’s sisters, Dominique Brown, shared the heart-wrenching moment when their mother gently told Sydney, then 8, and Justin, then 5, that their mother had passed away.

According to Dominique, their mother simply said, “Mommy’s in heaven,” as she revealed the devastating news that shook not only the family but the entire nation. The brutal murder of Nicole, 35, and her friend Ron Goldman, 25, in 1994 sent shockwaves through the community. Nicole’s ex-husband, O.J. Simpson, was later arrested and charged with the murders, leading to a high-profile trial that captivated the nation.

Following Nicole’s tragic death, Dominique took on the role of shielding the children from the pain and chaos that surrounded them. Together with her own son and Denise’s son, they shared moments of joy and togetherness to help the children heal and find happiness amidst the turmoil.

Despite their efforts to protect Sydney and Justin, the Browns eventually lost custody of the children to their father in 1996. The family was left heartbroken as they bid farewell to the kids on Christmas morning, not knowing the challenges that lay ahead for Sydney and Justin.

Years later, the Brown sisters discovered the hardships that Sydney, now 38, and Justin, 35, had endured, including disturbing incidents in Florida and the relentless media scrutiny that followed them after their mother’s tragic death. Despite the difficulties they faced, both Sydney and Justin have chosen to keep a low profile, focusing on their families and careers in real estate.

As Dominique reflects on the resilience and strength of her niece and nephew, she believes that Nicole would be proud of the adults they have become. The family’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of domestic violence and the importance of supporting those in need.

For more insights into the life of Nicole Brown Simpson and her legacy, don’t miss the upcoming Lifetime documentary series, The Life & Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson, airing on June 1 and June 2.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please seek help by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or visit thehotline.org for confidential support available 24/7 in over 170 languages.