Cochise, a character in the film “Cooley High,” is tragically beaten to death by a local gang.
In the 1975 film “Cooley High,” directed by Michael Schultz, the character Cochise, played by Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, is a high school basketball star with a bright future. The film is set in 1964 and follows the lives of Cochise and his best friend Preach, played by Glynn Turman, as they navigate their final days at Cooley Vocational High School in Chicago.
The story takes a dark turn when Cochise and Preach are falsely accused of stealing a car. Although they are innocent, the real car thieves seek revenge for being questioned by the police. The gang members find Cochise and savagely beat him, leading to his untimely death. This event is a pivotal moment in the film, marking a loss of innocence and the harsh realities of life in the inner city. Cochise’s death profoundly affects Preach and the community, highlighting the impact of violence and the fragility of dreams in a challenging environment. The film ends with Preach leaving Chicago to pursue his aspirations, carrying the memory of his friend with him.