Friends of the man killed in the deadly North Austin shooting share memories of him

AUSTIN, Texas – Friends of a man who was shot dead last week in Northeast Austin share their memories of him.

Police identified the suspect as 20-year-old Clayton Taitague. He is charged with the murder of 30-year-old Tyler Cochran.

Austin police said Cochran was shot and killed by Taitague and seconds later an unnamed security guard shot and seriously injured Taitague.

“The security officer discharged his firearm in self-defense,” Austin Police Department homicide detective Bradley Parks said.

This all happened in the parking lot of the Michelobos Sports Bar off East Braker Lane in Northeast Austin in the early morning hours of November 1. It’s an area police are very familiar with, responding to 34 calls for service last year and 61 so far this year.

“It’s not just the number of calls, it’s the intensity of those calls,” Austin Police Chief Lee Davis said.

“Most likely as a direct result of the presence of several nightclubs, sports bars and entertainment venues in this area,” Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said.

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The commander overseeing the area said they have been meeting with property owners and managers since April to determine what makes this a “corrupt zone.”

“I want to reassure the community that things are happening, they are happening aggressively and at a rapid pace. We want to make sure our communities know that we are listening to you and that you are driving our priorities,” said Commander Davis.

Commander Davis said this area is a priority so families like the Whitts don’t have to experience such a tragedy.

“Shock, disbelief,” said Bobby Whitt, a friend of Tyler Cochran.

Whitt said Cochran lived with him and his family from the ages of 14 to 19.

“He was definitely like a big brother to me,” said Bobby Whitts’ daughter, Piper Whitt.

“He was just always trying to live and love life,” Bobby Whitt said.

Whitt said Cochran was doing well at the time of the shooting, had a girlfriend he lived with in College Station and had a steady job in construction.

“To go out on such a high, it really makes us wonder where he could have gone and what was next,” Bobby Whitt said.

Austin police said they have not yet spoken to the suspect because he is still unconscious in the hospital. Once released, he will be charged with first-degree murder. The security guard who fired his weapon has not been charged.