March 29, 2005
Johnnie Cochran has died
Attorney Johnnie Cochran has died following a lengthy illness according to WXIA-TV's 6P news here in Atlanta. Cochran's daughter, Tiffany Cochran, is a weekend anchor for WXIA.
UPDATE WXIA has more.
Cochran died of a brain tumor and was at his home in California at the time of his passing.I didn't agree with his politics, but he was an original character in American jurisprudence.“The world has lost not only a legendary attorney, but an outstanding humanitarian,” a family statement said.
“Johnnie’s career will be noted as one marked by ‘celebrity’ cases and clientele. But he and his family were most proud of the work he did on behalf of those in the community,” the statement said. “As Johnnie always said, ‘an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ It was his rallying cry as he worked to right many wrongs, and as he provided a voice to those who needed to be heard.”
The Cochran Firm has several offices around the country including one in Atlanta.
Cochran’s daughter, Tiffany, is an anchor and reporter at WXIA / 11Alive News in Atlanta.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date, the statment said.
His "if it don't fit, you must acquit" line in the OJ Simpson trial became a mocked catch-phrase nationwide, and even inspired Phil Morris' spot-on parody, Jackie Giles, from Seinfeld.
Fare thee well, Johnnie.
Johnnie Cochran was 67.
Posted by mhking at March 29, 2005 06:06 PMWhat was great about the Jackie Giles parody was that he was a prosecutor.
Giles (to Kramer): Dammit, you can't have a woman try on a bra over a sweater. It has to be up against her skin... like a glove!
If Johnnie Cochrane were a prosecutor he would have convicted O.J., no doubt.
Condolences to the Cochrane family. And we'll miss him sharp commentary on cable news panel discussion segments.
Posted by: Tuning Spork at March 29, 2005 10:02 PMLethal Weapon 4.
Chris Rock's character (butters i think) has caught a chinese waiter and is reading him his rights.
"You have the right to an attorney. If you can't afford an attorney we will provide the dumbest.... and if you get Johnnie Cochrane I'll kill ya"
Posted by: Nick Saunders at March 31, 2005 04:20 AMWe will miss Johnny Cochrane as well as we will miss Terri Schiavo dearly. Cochrane was a well remembered lawyer he was the best African American lawyer we have and probably will ever have. Best wishes to his families unwanted lost. We love you'll. BEST WISHES
Posted by: Christina a.k.a. Pooh at March 31, 2005 10:57 AMA tragic loss to 'injustice anywhere', Rest in Peace. Jonnie.
Posted by: Allen Okwabi at March 31, 2005 03:43 PMjohnnie we will surley miss you were the greatest lawyer ever and know one could
ever take your place you were a good man
we all miss and love you.
R.I.P
when is to funeral?
Posted by: joanne branklin at April 1, 2005 08:01 PMA Great Barrister's voice is still, God, now however is the only Judge who matter.
I hope it will be, "Welcome home my Good and faithful servant."
For he really helped many who could not defend for themselves.
May you (Johnnie) rest in the bossom of the Almighty, All-wise, All-knowing All-forgiving; GOD.
To the family, BE BLESSED!
Jon (Birmingham, Alabama)
Posted by: Jon Peterson at April 2, 2005 02:56 PMmay god be with you and your family and may he bless you all god has a very special angel someone who has always help the world we are sorry about your lost may god bless you and keep you safe god bless you.
Posted by: the ross family at April 2, 2005 09:40 PMTHE WORLD HAS TRULY LOST ONE OF THE GREAT ONES. YOU WERE A STANDOUT AMONG ALL BUT ESPECIALLY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY. TO THE FAMILY I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS HOWEVER JUST HOLD TO GODS UNCHANGING HAND AND YOU WILL SEE JOHNNIE AGAIN SOON AND VERY SOON BE BLESSED
Posted by: PRISCILLA at April 4, 2005 06:25 PMTo the Cochoran family and close friends and colleagues: I came to know of this great man during the OJ Simpson trial, when I saw real justicce at work. His knowledge emplified with his charamatic delivery restored my faith in the judicial system. I finally seen justice at its best. I no longer see it as a legal system for some, but justice for us all. The law is there, but what I found it is not the system its those who practice it. Johnnie wasn't lazy nor a fly by night style lawyer, nor was he settling for the good ol boy system. He courageously challenged the law enforcement officials and held them accountable for their actions and the abuse of their powers. I was a criminal justice major at the time I came to learn of Johnnie and it was because of him that I aspired to go to law school. He was sort of mentor from a distance. I am a labor advocate for one of the largest unions in the country and have proudly been labelled Johnnie Mae Cochran. I stand and fight for justice and equality with no hidden agenda or fringe benefits. My gratitude comes from Justice being served. His loyalty and dedication to the law profression has superceded all else. I know he will be missed the world is saddened because of his passing, but he has laid the blue print that will in time change the legal system for some to justice for all. I know he walked with Jesus the day of his closing argument during the OJ Simpson trial when he so eloquently approached the podium with the Bible in hand. My mentor from afar I salute you and I hope one day to pick up the torch you once carried until we meet again REST IN PEACE JOHNNIE WE LOVE YOU!!!!!
Posted by: r, d, ruffin at April 4, 2005 10:27 PMDear Cochran Family ,
Dennis,Ann,Aaronica,A.J. & I were so deeply saddened to hear about your father/son's death .
We want you to know that our family heart goes out to yours. No matter what the circumstances, losing a loved one is always a blow like no other. We pray that God's grace is sufficient each day for you and that you and all your family have an extra measure of His peace and comfort in these weeks ahead.
May God wrap His loving arms around you and hold you tight .
Gob Bless
Dennis & Sharon Creamer
Ann, Aaronica &A.J. Clements
I only met Mr. Cochran for a brief moment.
I was visting my sister in California, and we
happen to be in downtown LA, the day the OJ
trial was convening.
I jumped out the car to get his picture and
MEEKLY asked him for a picture!
He seemed so sweet and humble and said "sure" and flashed that beautiful smile.
A short time later his lovely wife pulled up in front of the court house in powder blue
car..I think a Mercedes, sunroof open and picked
up a man who was handsome and the epitome of class.
There WILL be a ressurrection.
God has promised us that.....
but until then I will hold forever his memory on film.
My heart and prayers are extended to the Cochran Family during their hour of bereavement. Only God knows the reasons why. Look up, and look to Him from whom all blessing flow. Johnnie was a giant and a blessing to this world. His light shines just as brightly as the Pope's, and he will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace good and faithful servant.
Posted by: Rene' at April 8, 2005 01:19 AMI sincerely extend my condolences to the family of Johnnie Cochran Jr. You all are constantly in my prayer. You all loved him but God loved him best, that is why he releived him of his pain and suffering. May God continue to bless and keep you.
Posted by: Gloria Allen at April 11, 2005 11:45 PMAn incredible and admirable human he is.
Posted by: Theresa at April 21, 2005 11:28 PMI send my condolences to the Cochran family but God will surely look after you in this time. Jonnie Cochran is someone that I will always look up to, he was a superb attorney and served well on this earth. But don't fear because there is life after death. You will surely see Jonnie again if you trust in the Lord God. He will nevere be forgotten. Rest in Peace until we meet again xxxx
Posted by: Ngozi at June 4, 2005 06:59 PM