Famed Hollywood defense attorney Peter Knecht died Friday at 78, after succumbing to a two-year battle with cancer. His wife, Dr. Ava Cadell, a well-known relationship therapist and television personality, was by his side when he died.
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The accomplished lawyer’s star-studded client roster included David Crosby, Sly Stone, Dennis Hopper, Andy Garcia, Peter Fonda, John Barrymore, Jr., Jason Priestly, Ike Turner, Ryan and Tatum O’Neal, Rob Lowe, Heidi Fleiss, Robert Blake, Charles Bronson and “Iron Man” star Robert Downey, Jr.
In addition to representing top-notch Hollywood talent, Knecht was an analyst and consultant on a variety of TV networks, including CNN, CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox.
Some of his high-profile cases were featured on “The Today Show,” “Good Morning America” and “Celebrity Justice.” He’s also the author of the upcoming autobiography “Blood & Justice on the Sunset Strip.”
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Knecht is survived by his wife of over 20 years, Ava, his son Chance, daughter Courtney and grandson Aaron.
A service and memorial will take place at 3 p.m. on Oct. 12 at the Tanach Chapel within Mount Sinai Cemetery in Los Angeles.