Uncle Nick Hastings: Comforted by community

Nick Hastings saw Zoe almost weekly growing up. He says she was the first one to jump up and give you a hug but also the one to ask how you were doing, a maturity and selflessness beyond her years.

Through Sunday dinners and babysitting his children, Nick got to know Zoe as young woman who was excited for life. Nick wanted his children to be around Zoe, knowing her authentic generosity of spirit would rub off on them.

When his niece died, Nick was part of the team that canvassed the neighborhood in hopes of finding Zoe’s killer. He was astounded when 300 people showed up to help. Nick lives in the neighborhood as well, and he says he was shocked that something so violent could happen in what he considers a safe place, especially in broad daylight.

Nick says he became a bit more diligent about watching out, more skeptical, perhaps a little less trusting of the world around him. He had conversations with his kids about engaging strangers and being aware of their surroundings.

While it was a trying time, Nick also learned to experience life a bit more deeply.

“It’s not necessarily what you want to tell your kids, but we realized that life is short,” he says. “Enjoy as much time as you have with people.”

Nick feels that Zoe’s murder brought the family together and made them trust in their faith.

“Although we don’t understand everything, we have faith that God is there,” he says. “We spend a few more minutes on our knees thanking God for the time we have.”

CRIMINAL UPDATE: ANTONIO COCHRAN, 37, was convicted of the murder of Zoe Hastings and sentenced to life in prison in January 2018. Though the Dallas County District Attorney sought the death penalty for capital murder, Cochran was ruled intellectually disabled, so he was convicted of a lesser charge of murder.

Cochran will be eligible for parole in 30 years.