Leslie Cochran is Austin's weirdest street person. A gray beard starkly contrasts his preferred attire of high heels and thong. Leslie tells The Examiner about the assault that almost killed him, a theft that directly affects his income and what he would do if he won the lottery. Leslie also has a message for anyone who wants to take his photograph.
February 28, 2010, early afternoon, outside Cafe Caffeine, Austin, TX
The assault that put Leslie in a coma:
Examiner: Leslie, do you have a few minutes for an interview with the Examiner?
Leslie: (with a wink) No, but I have a few minutes to be examined.
E: It’s great to see you out again. You were attacked last October. What happened?
L: There were 5 or 6 guys in an alley smoking crack. I was just passing by, as I do, you know? They started talking to me, and when I said they shouldn’t be doing that, and told them they could get arrested, and not be able to get a job, they attacked me.
E: You were in a coma and in critical condition.
L: Well, life is like sh-t, it happens.
E: What’s the last thing you remember about the attack?
L: I sat down hard, like you sometimes do. I was trying to see if those guys were going to come back at me. I guess I passed out. If a taxi driver hadn’t stopped to help, I would be dead.
E: Were you taken to Brackenridge?
L: Yes, they did brain surgery. And they took out more than they put back in. (laughs)
E: Austin was worried.
L: When I woke up, I learned there was a candlelight vigil outside the hospital. I wanted to let everyone out there know I was okay, but the doctors had me in protective custody. I wanted to escape. (winks) Really wanted to escape.
If you want to take Leslie’s photograph:
E: I only have about $5, but can I get you something to eat or drink?
L: No, but I could use $5.
E: OK. So does that mean I can take your picture?
L: Yes. And thank you for asking. So many people say, “I’ll tip you, I’ll tip you.” and after they take my picture they say, “Oh. I don’t have any money.”
E: Your income consists of tips and sales from your dress-up magnets?
L: Yes, and if you take my picture the least you can do is give me a dollar. But I’m not good about asking, you know? (looks down at a lottery ticket) I’d like to find that nice man who just gave me $2.
E: Why?
L: To let him know I’ve just doubled his investment.
If Leslie won the lottery:
E: You won $4?
L: Yes, and I’m supporting the school education fund.
E: Is that Mega Millions?
L: No. I like the Weekly Grand. That’s $1,000 a week for 20 years.
E: What would you do if you won the Weekly Grand?
L: I’d put $200 direct deposit into a savings account. You gotta start at the ground floor and pay your taxes. Then I’d have $800 direct deposited into a different account.
E: $800 a week. How would you spend it?
L: First, I’d get an apartment and get off the street.
E: An apartment, where?
L: (laughing) South Austin. Is there any other place?
The “Leslie Dress-Up Magnet” set:
E: But you do have some income, from the sales of your magnets?
L: Yes. But while I was in the hospital my shed was broken into. 6 boxes of magnets were stolen. There’s 100 in a box and they cost (retail) $16 each. I can’t restock. If I don’t sell magnets I can’t keep my phone turned on.
E: Your phone? I wish I’d had your number. I’ve been looking for you to get an interview.
L: I’ve got to keep it turned on. Give people my number. Tell them to help me keep my phone turned on.
E: Are you sure? Just publicize your number?
L: (laughs) Honey, if they don’t have my number how can they call me?
E: You’ve got a point. I guess it surprises me since you were assaulted. I must be feeling a little protective of you.
L: (laughs) Girl when I was a younger man I would have taken them all out. But when they come at you with pipes, knives and chains (shrugs). I’m not into revenge.
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Leslie Dress-Up Magnets are sold by several local merchants including Cafe Caffeine located at 909 West Mary Street Austin, TX 78704
Leslie’s phone number is 512-299-5415.
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Comments
What a generous and necessary interview with Austin's LIVING icon!
By sharing what is currently occurring with our public face,we share our best South Austin individuality.Leslie has endured too much hardship,privation,violence .May he win the Texas Lottery and share his wit at every open mike!
Love the story. Thanks!
I second the comments above. What a wonderful and important interview. I've been wondering how Leslie has been doing since the attack. I was very worried about him. I wonder if there isn't some place he could stay for free? No one has a spare room? I don't, but just wonder. Thank you for the great interview.
I was very interested to read this article and find out what happened to poor Leslie . I think it is a great shame that some people have the need to insult, injure to the extreme innocent people. 5/6 guys attacking one man is just plain viscousness. I hope that one day he will get his dream and win his lottery, supporting the education fund before even thinking of himself is a kind, wonderful person. The world would be a better place if there were more Leslie's in it. I don't know him personally but he seems to be very thoughtful. Good luck to him.
I've known Leslie for many, many years. And I adore him! So glad he recovered from the attack. I don't live in Austin any longer and don't find out about things as quickly. Be Well Leslie!!
We did see Leslie in 2003 with a girls VB team as we were walking downdown to eat. Was a shock at first, they way he was dressed. Sounds like a really nice guy, life is hard some of us make the most of it, sounds like he is. It is a shame that a few have to infringe on others and beat them. Hope all is well. I am from Nebr.
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