UT’s Main Building, circa 1980 Credit: Photo by Larry D. Moore/Wikimedia Commons

Retired Austin Police Officer Houston McCoy, who shot and killed sniper Charles Whitman during his 1966 rampage from the University of Texas tower’s observation deck, died this week in his hometown of Menard, Texas.

Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo issued a press release Thursday night, saying, “It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of former APD Officer Houston McCoy,” and asking for prayers for the deceased and his family.

McCoy is remembered for being a kind and humble officer and man. In his words to the Austin American-Statesman in 2011:

“When momentous events occur in one’s life, you no longer know life without it; that is our journey. With or without August 1, 1966, I know I am loved by my family and respected by many friends, what else can a man ask for?”

Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.

This article appears in December 28 • 2012.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US