BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – On the second day of the Natalie Cochran murder trial, testimony focused on the days leading up to Michael Cochran’s collapse and death, as witnesses described his declining health, canceled plans, and Natalie Cochran’s actions.
Friend and Medical Professional Testifies About Steroid Request
Stephanie Hamilton, a physician’s assistant and close friend of Natalie Cochran, testified that on February 4, 2019—two days before Michael’s collapse—Natalie texted her requesting an injectable steroid. Hamilton offered to administer the injection herself, but Natalie insisted she would do it on her own.
Hamilton recounted visiting the Cochran home on February 6, where she found Michael unresponsive on the couch. Natalie told her he had a seizure and fell but had not hit his head. Despite Hamilton’s insistence that Michael needed to go to the hospital, Natalie dismissed the suggestion, saying he would “sleep it off.”
Close Friend Describes Decline in Health
Christopher Davis, a close friend of Michael Cochran, testified about their interactions shortly before his collapse. Davis said Michael had been in good spirits, excited about an upcoming trip to Lynchburg, Virginia, where he expected to secure funding from federal government contracts.
However, when Davis visited the Cochran home on February 6, he found Michael unresponsive on the couch, unable to talk or respond to any stimuli. Davis insisted Michael be taken to the hospital.
Defense attorneys highlighted that Michael had been hospitalized in November 2018 under similar circumstances. Davis disputed this, stating that Michael’s symptoms in November included vomiting and talking about his desire to go to the hospital, which were absent in February. At the time, Davis believed Michael’s issues were related to black mold exposure.
Medical Testimony on Michael Cochran’s Death
Michael Cochran was admitted to the hospital on February 6 and later transferred to hospice care, where he died days later.
Glenda Epperly, a primary care nurse who attended to Michael in hospice, testified that he was medicated every 15 minutes to keep him comfortable. She was unaware of his full medical history but noted he ultimately died of respiratory failure. On cross-examination, the defense suggested Michael had pre-existing conditions, including brain swelling and a heart issue. Epperly confirmed that Michael had requested not to be placed on life-sustaining equipment.
Canceled Flight Raises Questions
A pilot for a local aviation company testified that he was scheduled to fly Natalie and Michael to Lynchburg, Virginia, on February 6. However, Natalie canceled the flight via text that morning. They discussed rescheduling, but the flight never took place.
Context for the Trial
Prosecutors allege Natalie Cochran poisoned her husband with insulin to prevent him from discovering her fraudulent Ponzi scheme, which targeted friends and family. The defense contends Michael’s death was a result of pre-existing health issues and maintains that Natalie, while guilty of financial crimes, is not guilty of murder.
Testimony continues as the trial delves deeper into the events surrounding Michael Cochran’s death. Proceedings are being broadcast live on Court TV and streamed on Lootpress.
