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Son of missing Alabama woman speaks as Talladega County dig renews interest in 34-year-old case

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    TALLADEGA COUNTY, Alabama (WVTM) — Quadarius Cochran said the past week has been overwhelming as renewed attention focuses on the disappearance of his mother, Felicia Cochran, who has been missing for 34 years.

Cochran was 1 year old when his mother vanished. Growing up, he said, he never knew her embrace, a kiss on the cheek or even a simple conversation with the woman who gave him life.

The Pell City Police Department has spent several days digging at a property on Wolf Pond Road in Talladega County, renewing public interest in Felicia Cochran’s case.

As speculation has grown surrounding the search and his mother’s disappearance, Quadarius Cochran said people have been reaching out to him.

“I listen. I don’t try to blow nobody off,” he said. “It’s pretty much from a caring standpoint, but it can be overwhelming sometimes.”

Pell City police have released little public information about the search. A law enforcement source told WVTM the activity is connected to Felicia Cochran’s case.

Quadarius Cochran, now a police officer with the Jacksonville Police Department, said he views the situation through both a personal and professional lens. He told WVTM he spoke with the Pell City police chief but was given no details because the case remains an active investigation.

“I’m also an investigator. I know that I can’t give out too much information or false information because that’s just not what we do,” he said. “We just let the investigation continue.”

From the beginning, rumors and speculation have surrounded who may have been responsible for Felicia Cochran’s disappearance. No one has been officially convicted in the case.

“Right now, I just want to focus on the investigation with my mom,” he said. “I don’t want to put anything out there that’s not true or make any assumptions.”

Felicia Cochran had three children, and Quadarius is the youngest. On the anniversary of her disappearance, WVTM also spoke with the oldest sibling, Brandi, who said faith and family have helped her endure the difficult time and the wave of emotions.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

PICNIC PERMITS? Tulsa pastor told he can’t hold picnics for homeless in parks

Click here for updates on this story    TULSA, Oklahoma (KJRH) -- Every Sunday for the last 13 years, Pastor Greg Bilbruck hosted picnics for the homeless at Veterans Park.“God was clear, always feed a meal, always welcome everybody," he said. "The reason why I called you was that up until now, there’s been no problem. This has been a great place for us. The homeless really congregate a lot around downtown, and this is very close to downtown.”That changed a few weeks ago.Bilbruck said when he arrived at the park for their weekly picnic, a city security guard approached him and told him he couldn't have the picnic because they didn't have a permit."He said 'This is private property', I said 'This is a park,'" said Bilbruck. "This is a public park, paid for by taxpayers. This is Veterans Park, you’re saying I can’t meet here? I can’t have a meal here, a picnic meal with my family and friends?”The Light of the World Christian Fellowship leader said on Sunday, they continued on with their regularly scheduled gathering. The following week, he said, that same security guard showed up but just took pictures.And on the next Sunday, July 12?Bilbruck said he found the security guard and two police officers at Veterans Park."They’d run off all the homeless, there were no homeless here," said Bilbruck. "They even parked up all these spots with squad cars so no one could even park here. He said 'You told me to call the police so I did, you’re in violation of these things, you can’t serve food in the park.' I was like 'We can’t have a picnic?' he said, "You’re distributing food.'”2 News Oklahoma reached out to the City of Tulsa to get answers about the situation. While they could not accommodate an interview, they shared a statement.“The City works with any individual or organization conducting activities in our parks to obtain the permits required under our ordinances, and we are doing the same in this case. We appreciate the compassion and generosity of those who want to serve those experiencing homelessness, and we share in that commitment. We also have a responsibility to keep our parks safe, clean, and accessible for everyone while continuing to implement Safe Move Tulsa, the most comprehensive street outreach and homelessness response in our city's history. Addressing homelessness requires compassion and coordination, and we remain committed to both as we continue to work with community partners in ways that support those in need while preserving safe and welcoming public spaces for all.” City of Tulsa"The City of Tulsa, the mayor is saying he’s trying to help the homeless, but this isn’t helping them by running off people that love them, feed them, care for them, make them feel like a family member, sitting at a picnic with them, eating a meal with them," said Bilbruck.However, 2 News looked at the City of Tulsa's Special Events Office, and found permitting guidelines. Under exemptions, it reads 'activities conducted entirely within City of Tulsa public parks.'Even if he can't bring food to the park anymore, Bilbruck said he intends to keep showing up Sunday after Sunday for these folks, bringing community and prayer to the folks experiencing homelessness who have become his family.Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.
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