Jobaaj Stories
Natalie Cochran Sentenced to Life for Husband's Murder Amid $2M Fraud
In a case that has captured national attention, Natalie Cochran, a former pharmacist from West Virginia, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2019 murder of her husband, Michael Cochran. The motive behind the crime was to prevent him from uncovering a $2 million Ponzi scheme she had been operating.
A Tragic Turn of Events
Michael Cochran, 38, died in February 2019 after being hospitalized with dangerously low blood sugar levels. Initially believed to be a natural death, further investigation revealed that Natalie had administered a fatal dose of insulin to her husband. At the time, she claimed he was unwell and needed rest, delaying medical attention despite friends' concerns.
Unraveling the Fraud
The couple had co-founded Tactical Solutions Group in 2017, a company purportedly dealing with government contracts. However, it was later discovered that Natalie was running a Ponzi scheme, defrauding investors by promising high returns on fake contracts. She used the ill-gotten funds to finance a lavish lifestyle, including purchasing real estate, jewelry, and a 1965 Shelby Cobra.
Legal Proceedings and Conviction
Natalie Cochran was already serving an 11-year federal sentence for wire fraud and money laundering when she was charged with her husband's murder in November 2021. In January 2025, after a nearly three-week trial, a jury found her guilty of first-degree murder. The following day, she was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Aftermath and Family Impact
The Cochrans' children were left without both parents following the events. Details about their current circumstances remain private to protect their well-being.
