BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Representatives for both the state and defense convened in Raleigh County Circuit Court Monday morning for a pre-trial hearing as part of ongoing court procedures for Natalie Cochran.
Cochran, who was previously convicted of fraud, has been at the epicenter of a highly publicized legal battle, having been accused of First-Degree Murder with regard to the death of her husband, Michael Cochran. The defendant has plead “not guilty” to the offense.
Raleigh County Circuit Court Judge Kirkpatrick oversaw pre-trial proceedings on Monday, during which Cochran’s defense attorneys argued that the state had not provided them with evidence, documentation, and information pertinent to the case.
Representing the State of West Virginia, Raleigh County Prosecutor Ben Hatfield characterized himself as a “truth seeker,” stating that the defense should be entitled to whatever evidence they may need, but that it was not the responsibility of the state “to go fetch it for them.”
The defense additionally expressed a need for medical records for Michael Cochran dating back twelve years, implying that perhaps his untimely passing may have been the result of certain actions or inactions taken on his part.
Many of the requests for additional information from the defense appeared vague and non-specific, leading Judge Kirkpatrick at one point to characterize the requests as, “grasping at straws.”
Notably, the defense asserted that Cochran would be unable to receive a fair trial in Raleigh County due to preconceived notions amongst members of the community throughout the area with regard to the case, and as such requested a change in venue in an attempt to have court procedures moved to a different county.
“Since I’ve been involved in this case, the mere mention of Natalie Cochran – people seem to know all about her,” said the defense, making reference to an interaction with a friend during which the person presumed Cochran’s guilt prematurely. “There’s just no possibility of a fair trial!”
Hatfield countered that nothing has yet occurred at this point to indicate that Cochran would be unable to receive a fair trial, expressing the hope that Judge Kirkpatrick would approach the trial just as he has others throughout his career.
“We’re not at the point where we know that,” said Hatfield in response to the claims of the defense. “I don’t see any reason to deviate from the same change-in-venue procedure that your honor has went through your entire career.”
Ultimately, it was concluded by Judge Kirkpatrick that there is nothing at this juncture indicating that Cochran would be unable to undergo a fair trial proceeding.
“This court spends a considerable amount of time in terms of voir dire in every case, not just in criminal cases, but in civil cases as well. I’m convinced that Mrs. Cochran can get a fair trial here in Raleigh County.”
Cochran herself, while initially expected to appear by video, was conferenced in by telephone due to unanticipated technical issues.
The state will continue to work with the defense in the consolidation of evidence as all parties approach trial.
Additional LOOTPRESS coverage for the Raleigh County area can be found here.
