CNN, MSNBC Legal Analyst Midwin Charles Dies at 47

Tributes were paid by Joy Reid and Rosanna Arquette to the veteran defense attorney and TV commentator after her sudden passing.

Veteran CNN and MSNBC legal analyst Midwin Charles has died. She was 47.

"It is with a profoundly heavy heart and the deepest sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved Midwin Charles," her family said in a statement posted to Charles' Twitter account on April 6. "She was known to many as a legal commentator on television, but to us she was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, niece and cousin. Our lives are forever changed and we will miss her for a lifetime,” the statement continued.

MSNBC primetime host Joy Reid expressed her shock at the news of Charles’ passing on her own Twitter account. “Midwin dear heart, you were a brilliant spirit and beautiful soul. You were such a blessing. I'm just stunned, and have been since I learned of this today. Blessings to your mom and family. To all, please live every moment like it's your last, and OVER-appreciate your friends,” she said.

She wasn’t alone, as actress and activist Rosanna Arquette also expressed her shock and sadness. “Oh My God. I'm so very sorry. This is a terribly sad and shocking loss. She was a good person. I’m very sorry for the family and her friends and colleagues. May she rest in power,” Arquette said on Twitter.

Born on July 17, 1973 and raised in Brooklyn, Charles earned her bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and her law degree from the American University, Washington College of Law. After serving as a law clerk for U.S. Court of Appeals for Sixth Circuit Judge Eric L. Clay, Charles launched the law firm Midwin Charles & Associates LLC and contributed to Essence Magazine.

And Charles appeared on CNN, HLN, MSNBC, Bloomberg TV and TV One to talk about legal issues, trials and other current events. She was a legal contributor CNN’s In Session and provided commentary for live trials on truTV.

She also guest hosted the radio program Express Yourself on New York's 107.5 WBLS. Active in community affairs, Charles was a member of the Dean’s Diversity Council for American University’s Washington College of Law and a member of the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network.

And she has served as a member of the Civil Rights Committee for the Association of the Bar of the City of New York.