Johnnie Cochran (October 2, 1937–March 29, 2005) passed away peacefully at the age of 67. He was an influential civil rights lawyer who was best known for his extraordinary defense of O.J. Simpson during the trial for Simpson's murder of his former wife, Nicole Brown Simpson. Cochran was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, and raised in Los Angeles. He earned a bachelor's degree from Los Angeles State College and his law degree from Loyola University. Early in his career, he earned the nickname "Johnny Cochran" for his successful defense of criminal cases and civil rights cases involving police misconduct. In 1995 Cochran became famous worldwide for leading the defense for O.J. Simpson. He argued that Simpson should be acquitted as a result of a possible mishandling of evidence by police and a racial bias on the part of the prosecutors. On October 3 1995, the jury agreed with Cochran and Simpson was acquitted of all charges. The trial and its outcome split the nation along racial lines and made Cochran an international celebrity. Cochran's career included representing rappers Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, Sean "Puffy" Combs, and R. Kelly. He also devoted considerable time and effort to civil rights causes, humanitarian efforts, and establishment of the Cochran Firm law firm. Cochran's charm, keen legal skill, and resolute commitment to justice will be remembered by friends, family and colleagues worldwide.