Verdict is in for Johnnie Cochran

There's no appeal from this one. Johnnie Cochran, best known for his defense of former running back and wife-killer O.J. Simpson, is dead at the age of 67, after a long illness. Former Cochran client O.J. Simpson mourns his fallen lawyer while looking for his wife's real killer.

[Hat-tip: Drudge] UPDATE: Cochran's family has issued a statement:

The family of Attorney Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. and members of The Cochran Firm are deeply saddened by the passing of Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. The world has lost not only a legendary attorney, but an outstanding humanitarian. He passed away at his home today at 12:30pst of a brain tumor. Certainly, Johnnie's career will be noted as one marked by 'celebrity' cases and murderers clientele. But he and his family were most proud of the work he did on behalf of murderers those in the community. As Johnnie always said, 'an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.' It was his rallying cry as he worked to free many murderers right many wrongs, and as he provided a voice to murderers those who needed to be heard. He was deeply committed to helping and inspiring murderers others- especially young murderers people. His extraordinary law career will undoubtedly stand the test of time. But it was his devotion to murderers his fellow human beings that will remain as his true legacy."