BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A pharmacist previously convicted of operating a multi-million-dollar Ponzi scheme is set to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the death of her husband. Natalie Cochran, who was married to Michael Cochran for nearly 19 years, is accused of causing his death on February 11, 2019.
The trial, slated to begin with jury selection on Monday, January 13, marks another chapter in a case already marked by financial fraud and allegations of deceit.
A Tangled Web of Fraud and Deception
At the time of Michael’s death, Natalie Cochran was running an elaborate Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors, including her late husband’s parents, out of millions of dollars. In 2021, she pleaded guilty to federal charges, including wire fraud, and was sentenced to 135 months in prison.
During her federal sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Frank Volk remarked on Natalie’s actions even as her husband lay dying. “She was attempting to continue the perpetration of her extensive fraud and even in a more robust and thoughtful way,” Judge Volk noted.
Financial records linked Michael Cochran to the fraudulent scheme, raising questions about his role and the potential motive behind his death.
Murder Charges and Delays
Natalie Cochran was initially indicted on murder charges in November 2021, but the case took a turn when prosecutors requested the charges be dismissed in April 2023 to allow for Michael’s body to be exhumed for additional testing. A second indictment for first-degree murder followed in October 2023.
The prosecution has not publicly disclosed specific details of their case. However, Natalie’s comments during her federal sentencing suggested a strained relationship and possible substance abuse by Michael.
“When Michael began to take steroids and using illicit supplements, he was using far and above the normal doses and processing controversial alternative therapies,” Natalie said at the time. “It became his addiction. … Every day I wish Mike were here. I wish he hadn’t left me to deal with this alone.”
Facing a Life Sentence
Natalie Cochran, who is already serving a federal prison sentence for her role in the Ponzi scheme, faces a potential life sentence if convicted of murder.
Jury selection for the trial will begin on January 13, with the case expected to draw significant attention due to its complex intertwining of financial crime and alleged domestic homicide.
