Star defender Johnnie Cochran dies at 67

CELEBRITY lawyer Johnnie L Cochran Jnr died aged 67 on Tuesday at his home in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles.

Cochran, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in December 2003, made his legal career representing victims of police abuse and celebrities in peril. These converged when he successfully defended OJ Simpson from murder charges.

Cochran became known for championing the causes of black defendants and for the phrase, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit,” in Simpson’s murder trial.