BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – In the latest development in the ongoing murder case involving Natalie Cochran, it has been confirmed that the former pharmacist is now being held at Southern Regional Jail.
Raleigh County Prosecutor, Ben Hatfield tells LOOTPRESS that Cochran was removed from federal custody as a means of circumventing issues stemming from the hours-long transport required to ensure Cochran’s presence for hearings in the Beckley area.
Cochran was previously being housed at FCI Hazelton, a medium-security prison facility in the Preston County area roughly 200 miles removed from the Beckley area. The transfer to Beaver’s Southern Regional Jail will allow for Cochran to be transported to the Raliegh County Courthouse in a twelfth of the time as the same commute from FCI Hazelton.
Cochran is currently serving time for charges in relation to a Ponzi scheme and has been indicted in relation to the death of her husband, Michael Cochran in 2019.
Representatives for the state and the defense came together in Raleigh County Circuit Court in May for court proceedings for which Cochran appeared by phone.
During the session, the defense claimed that Cochran would be unable to receive a fair trial in Raleigh County due to the highly publicized nature of the ongoing case in which she is involved. Judge Kirkpatrick, who oversaw court proceedings, noted that no indication had been given in his view that Cochran would, in fact, be unable to receive a fair trial in Raleigh County Court.
“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,” said Judge Kirkpatrick. “I’m convinced that Mrs. Cochran can get a fair trial here in Raleigh County.”
Cochran has issued a plea of “not guilty” with regard to the First-Degree Murder charges being pursued against her in relation to the death of her husband. Cochran is set to return to Raleigh County Court on Monday, August 12, 2024.
