BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Day six of the Natalie Cochran murder trial focused on emotional testimony from Cochran’s children, who took the stand to support their mother’s defense. Both testified about their late father, Michael Cochran, his alleged steroid and supplement use, and his deteriorating health in the months leading up to his death.
Testimony from Natalie Cochran’s Children
Natalie Cochran’s daughter, Nicole, now 20, recalled her father’s obsession with fitness and his consumption of 30 to 40 supplements daily, filling an entire dinner plate. She described his participation in “tough man” competitions, including pulling a Hummer.
Despite his physical fitness, Nicole testified that Michael experienced dizziness, headaches, and forgetfulness starting in late 2018. During a November 2018 hospitalization, she said the family feared he had a brain tumor. Nicole shared a poignant memory of her father telling her “kind things” during this time, unsure if he would survive. His symptoms, she testified, persisted until the day before his death in February 2019.
Nicole, who was just 13 when her father passed, also described observing him working on “government contracts” on the computer. She said he was secretive about his work and didn’t share details with the family.
Her younger brother, referred to in court as M.A.C., now 17, painted a picture of Michael as controlling and jealous. He testified that Michael frequently monitored Natalie’s phone and described confrontations with men who showed interest in her, including one incident where Michael used a baseball bat to “handle business.”
M.A.C. also testified about their family’s financial habits, detailing extravagant purchases including property, vehicles, boats, motorcycles, and luxurious vacations to Hawaii and Paris. He noted that money seemed to bring his father happiness.
Additional Defense Testimony
The defense also called Natalie Cochran’s sister, Penny Lowery, to testify about Michael’s alleged reliance on pills and steroids. Lowery testified that she had discouraged Michael’s steroid use but was dismissed with laughter. She also recalled seeing him inject himself, though she was unsure if it was insulin.
Trial Schedule Update
Due to scheduling conflicts, the court did not convene on Friday and will resume proceedings on Monday. Judge Kirkpatrick indicated the trial is expected to conclude next week.
As the trial progresses, the defense continues to build its case, with testimony highlighting Michael Cochran’s health issues and family dynamics in an effort to cast doubt on the prosecution’s theory that Natalie Cochran murdered her husband by administering a fatal dose of insulin.
