Who was Tammy Cochran?

From Olathe PD: Olathe Police Detectives have identified the victim of the homicide first reported on 03/05/2008 in which a burned body was discovered at 8255 S. Gardner Road, Olathe, KS.

The victim has been identified as Tammy K. Cochran, a 37-year-old white female. Her family has been notified.

Olathe Police Detectives are involved in a continuing investigation with this case with the assistance from the Johnson County, Kansas, Sheriff's Office, Leawood Police Department and Lenexa Police Department. No suspects are in custody. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to call the Olathe Police Department at (913) 971-7455 or the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

Comments

[John Boy]

Originally thought to be 16 - 30 ? Quite a bit of difference in age.

[G]

Weird case....jealous lover maybe?

Keep us updated on this one, James...got a feeling it's going to get weird.

[jeano]

Wonder why the need to burn the body? Not like they don't have ways to id a corpse anymore. Evil.

[kcskip]

Actually I can see how they guessed so wrong on the age. She does look a little younger than her years, and being so small and petite would make you think it was a younger person. And if she was burned beyond recognition they wouldn't have much to go on. HOWEVER... My daughter works VERY close to where the body was found, and is a perfect match to the description they gave. I was a little freaked out when I heard the story yesterday, and called my daughter immediately, even though it was early morning. She snapped at me for waking her up, but I"ve never been so happy to be yelled at in my life. But I now have a heavy heart for this womans family, and I hope they find the monster who did this.

[aqua]

useless scum either dose the victims with clorox or burn the bodies to try to remove any residual evidence that could be used to convict them.

[Nick]

Wonder why the need to burn the body? Not like they don't have ways to id a corpse anymore. Evil.- Jeano

They are not burning them to prevent ID. They do it to destroy DNA, scent, and trace evidence.

[G]

There is another reason people will burn a body: Rage.

That's why I immediately went to a jilted lover of some kind. Few killers will have the inclination and WILL to burn a body like that. They know that dental records will still most likely lead to ID.

Thats why I think this case may get weirder...

[sanguine]

Her boyfriend was a black guy who was both her drug dealer and pimp. He got her hooked on drugs along with several other white woman and he pimped them out and kept them in line with drugs and abuse. Such women usually end up dead while the boyfriend turns other girls. It is the biggest unreported news in America's social environment. The media doesnt like to report that aspect of the crimes but certainly would if it was white men exploited black women.

[Juls]

sanguine - do you know that for a fact or just speculating?

Do anyone know if she had children? Sad what an addiction can lead to.

[VM]

I went to high school with Tammy K.Cochran and graduated with her in 1988. I haven't seen her since then, but did remember the name and face. I am saddened to hear of her horrible death and pray for her and her family.

[sanguine]

I know that for a fact....I know her son and ex-husband.

[Juls]

sanguine - does she have more then one son? one of them named dominic?

VM - what high school?

this is a very sad story for the family?

[bigblock]

I used to live 4 or 5 houses down the street from Tammy. I also attended Shawnee Mission North high school with her. I have not seen Tammy in a number of years. I was saddened to hear of her tragic death. My heart goes out to her family. I urge anyone with any information to report what they know so that the person(s) responsible for this crime can be taken off of the streets. Think of it this way...........Next time it could very well be one of our loved ones.

Do we know without a shadow of a doubt that Tammy was involved with a pimp and strung out on drugs? If so, that is where the investigation should certainly start. Hopefully someone out there can confirm this tidbit of information.

G's comment from March 7th seems to have a racial undertone in it. This is a tragic death regrdless of who the perpertrator(s) are. Would it have been any less hurtful to her family if her boyfriend were a white, hispanic or asian pimp? There is no place for that. Now if you can provide the name of the ex boyfriend that could certainly be useful information here.

[t]

To Sanguine, No one forced tammy to do the drugs, No one pinned her down and forced meth up her nose, she knew what she was doing. I'm sure she didn't know she was going to be killed and set on fire, I hope they find the guy whether he's white or black, how do you know he's a black guy?

[Q]

I knew Tammy and she was a good person. Addiction is a thing that most all of us know someone battling. The media is starting to run her mugshots and letting everyone know about her demons. If it helps catch the killer then more power to them, but I think that they should let her have her dignity however little may have been left.

[A]

Does anyone know if there will be funeral services. I went to school with Tammy too and hadn't seen her in years! The memories I have for her and her entire family are very good ones. Due to her addiction, Tammy most likely died years ago and the Tammy that died recently hopefully is in peace now.

[j]

i knew Tammy , havnt seen here in 20ish years. i do want to say she was a very sweet girl. the smile you see in the photo on this page is genuine i remember it well. we all grow up and apart but she was my friend and it realy hurts to know she was taken advantage of and treated this way. to her family, there isnt words to say how sorry i feel this happened. i hope there is a service i can attend.

[PH]

Tammy was my sweet beautiful daughter-in-law. Please don't judge her by those horrible mug shots. She was caught up in something she had no control over and it led to her tragic death. All of us who were and always will be her family, though in-laws, are mourning her untimely loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to her parents, grandparents, brother, friends, and, of course her precious son. Rest in peace, darling girl. We will miss you always...

[please sign your comments]

I knew tammy as I was a customer of hers. The Tammy I remember was a wonderful girl very devoted to her son and to see how tragically her life ended is so sad. I pray they find the MONSTER Who did this. God speed Tammy your misery is over my condolence to your family.

[x]

To the mil... those mug shots are not tammy, it's an empty shell, no life in her eyes, she was such a lively person, full of laughter and fun. I hope they find the person who did this before he does it to some other woman. May peace be with the family, how horrible.

[Q]

I have had so many friends that went to school with us call and talk of great memories of Tammy. I pray for her family and pray for strength to carry them through these hard times. She would have had her 20 yr. high school reunion this October. So sad that she was taken away!

[achy breaky fool]

strange that the olathe pd story did not even mention whether or not tammy cochran was from olathe or anything else that might id her better. there are a lot of attractive blonds around. if for instance they said she was a hair stylist something might ring a bell for someone who saw or heard something. but as in the kelsey case they must like keeping information close to the chest.

[o]

It's really scarey that the person who did this to tammy is still walking the streets... and probably in Johnson County somewhere as we speak...
I hope they find who did this and FAST.
My prayers to Tammy's family.

[SMG]

I knew Tammy as well. She befriended me in the 7th grade and we were the closest friends for a short while. Seemed to drift apart by end of school yr. My mom called me when they identified her and it is a great tragedy. We had so much fun and she was a blessing in my life at a trying time. I know she is with God now and my prayers and thoughts go to her family and friends. I also pray the police catch the monster who did this to her and bring them to justice.

[wcf]

I met Tammy in 1994 and became friends with her, but haven't seen her for about 3 yrs now. She was funny, beautiful, strong, and could make you laugh so hard. She loved her son so much, and her family and friends, and her animals. Her eyes sparkled and noone could tell a story like her-I used to ask her to retell stories over and over because she was so damn funny. The world will never be the same without her. Please pray whoever did this will be found and made to pay the price for tossing her aside like a piece of trash.

[h]

I have known Tami since 2nd grade. We lost touch about 2 years ago and I am so sad about that. She was a good friend and I have so many memories of her and of us. She was a character and will be forever missed. My heart goes out to her family. She loved her son so much. I am stunned at how fast the addiction got ahold of her and took her from us. Someone out there knows who did this to her and the truth will come out. That monster will pay. They will get him for you Tami.

[ph]

Tammy's funeral was private, a graveside service with her family and closest friends attending. God speed, my precious girl. You can rest in peace now. Again, we will remember you always.

[j]

Im sad that I didnt' get to attend the funeral. I will miss her.

[h]

I too am very sorry I wasn't able to attend the funeral, but certainly understand the families need for privacy at this time. I would like to visit her grave, does anyone know where she was buried?

[J]

Godspeed my friend! I was best of friends with Tammy in gradeschool along with two other wonderful girls, we were quite the tribe I must say! Tammy's Father and Mother loved her so dearly and her brother looked up to her with so much love I remember. Let's not forget D. She was one of a kind, and LOVED Tammy, like no one could. When you are a apart of that, one never forgets what a difference she made, especially to me and in my life. I regret not keeping in touch because she truly was a bright light on so many different occasions while growing up. To her family, I am so sorry this has happened to your darling girl. To Tammy, you were always such a bright & shining star, you taught many of us so much. No matter what, that can't be taken away from you. You will live on in all the heartsung memories we all have for you. Tammy you will not be forgotten. I will always celebrate knowing you and your family. With Love.

[h]

Does anyone know where she was buried? I would have liked to attend the service but understand the families need for privacy, especially with the media involved. I would like to at least be able to drop some flowers at her grave and say a goodbye.

[j]

There are a quite a few out here that would like to offer support and say goodbye. The families privacy is most needed, we know that. I will miss her and wish there was something I could give back. A card, flowers to the grave, memories to the family, you name it and many of us will be there, in a heartbeat.

[ph]

I'm sorry I don't know at this time where she is buried but I will find the location as soon as I can and post it, if her family doesn't mind. There seem to be so many who want to honor her in some way and mark her passing. Tammy would have appreciated that, I'm sure. Just remember her as she was, please.

[h]

Kelsie,
As you can tell by reading this there are MANY people who loved and cared about your aunt and our hearts go out to you, your family and her family. I agree that she should be able to rest in peace. It is very unfortunate that her mug shots were put out there. Everyone makes mistakes and we all know what a great person she was. The past 2 years did not define who Tammy was. The 35 years before did. I am praying for you and your family and also praying that the person that did this to her is found and prosecuted and spend the rest of his/her life in prison.

[j]

I'm sorry Kelsie that you lost your loving aunt. But most on this post also loved your mother in thier own way, I did, We had a blast together and my heart feels hollow about what happened to her. I do respect the family's privacy about the buriel, they've had enough to deal with their daughter plastered all over the news.

[trm]

Kelsie,
I can see you are in a deep amount of pain. I would only suggest that before you post again you make sure your parents see what you are posting. There are details of Tammy's murder that have not been released to the public and sometimes the police do that on purpose. I don't know if they would want you posting that she was beaten and strangled, as that was not on the news reports. You may want to tell an adult that you posted that if they are not aware. Again, my heart really goes out to you. I hope your pain will lessen more and more each day and I hope they find her killer soon so your family can feel a little more at peace.

[Lisa]

I just want to say that I've known Tammy for over 20 years, she was a great friend, mother, and wife!! I know her Ex husband as he was a brother figure to me, I heardthe news and couldn't believe it! I had to call my brother to have him call her ex to verify it!! I hadn't seen her since they separated but she was a close friend that will be missed dearly! I also graduated with her from SM North, which will be having their class reunion this year, I tried to get her to go to the 10 year one with me! But I think we decided that we wouldn't go after all. I hope that if I go this year we can have a momment of silence to remember the good times! As in the day her and her ex were married, the day she did my daughters hair for her first High School dance, the night of her Bacholerette Party! Those are the times that I won't forget, let her rest in peace!

[lw]

We were so sad to hear the news about Tammie. Tammie was my hairdresser when we lived in Shawnee. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family especially her son. Tammie loved her son. Addiction is so evil and destroys so many people. I hope and pray that the police find the person or persons who are responsible for this horrific crime.

[j']

Are we going to hear what happened to Tammy or is everything going to be dropped now?
I've heard no more news stories on her, this happened a few blocks from my house and it's worrysome that the whoever did this is still on the loose.

[James Hart]

Actually, I put up a new post on the case earlier today. It's here.

[SMG]

Lisa-
I was also a 1988 SMN grad with Tammy. As in my above post I mentioned we had grown apart by high school, but I think it is a great idea to honor her memory with a moment of silence at our reunion and I will try to pass this to someone in charge. Anyone who let Tammy into their life - no matter how long or how short the time - knew her laughter, her smile, and desire to live. She was a bright shining light that was taken from us way too soon. To her family and close friends...I know there are no words to bandage your pain, but trust that if she entered your life, she touched your heart and soul. Let justice prevail.

[The J]

This is to everyone posting comments on this blog or any other blog about Tammy. Please do not mention the names of the children, where they are living or going to school or any details about this case that have not been made public. This is an ongoing investigation and you are not only eopardizing this case but the lives of these children. Tammy was murdered and it is very possible that the killer or killers could go after her family. I have had the blogs that contain the kids names removed from this site to protect them and the blog containing information about the case that is not public. Also please remember that this site is being read by the family, which includes the children (nieces, nephews, sons...etc) please remember this when you post. This should be a place to reflect on the beautiful soul of the woman we loved and cared for deeply.

I appreciate your consideration.

Since there was no public funeral, I had to honor tammy in some way, she has been on my mind so much that my husband drove me to the site where this horrible thing happened, when I got there someone had already made a nice cross and laid yellow roses around the area. I can tell you though, it's not somewhere where just anyone knows about, someone knew what they were doing and knew about the place that they did this, and it makes me think that someone lives in the area, I hope they catch them and put them in prison for life, or hey i'm all for the death penalty, an eye for an eye. What a waste of such a precious life.

Good Idea James

[r]

Will there never be an obit for Tammy? I know they held a private graveside funeral but I keep looking for the obit and I guess there isn't going to be one?

[James Hart]

r: I just checked the Star's database -- we haven't received a formal notice from any funeral home yet. I'm not sure if Tammy's remains have been released by the authorities yet. Even if they had, the family might opt for a private service or something like cremation.

[gary barnhart]

i have been watching this page daily hoping to hear they nailed the person who did this, im sure they will it just takes time. i do understand her family's need for privacy at this time, but i would like to pay my respects. I want to talk to our old friends and tell stories, let me tell ya there are so many,good times. We did so much together you name it , she was alot of fun to be around. i can think of several people who i also havnt seen for years who would say the same thing. I dont pay much attention to the articles of her life the past few years writen by some reporter that didnt know Tammy. Like her friends know she wasnt a bad person and its terrable thats all they print. I know its early but i hope sometime there will be place that friends can get together and remember the good times. Her brother was so young when i was around so i didnt know him that well I never knew her husband or son but my heart is with them all. Ive posted my name and I more than welcome anyone to look me up to remember our friend Tammy cochran. To: Tam Rest in peace my dear !!

I was just going through my old pictures, Tammy was at a bbq that we threw about 3 years ago, was one of the last times I saw her, She looked so happy in the picture. I'm so sad that her life ended the way it did. So horribly sad. I guess we just mourn her alone, and with friends that knew her the way we did, not the way the media portray's her. She was a lively, beautiful woman that had such a great spirit.