Natalie Cochran, a pharmacist who previously pleaded guilty to running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded millions, is now standing trial for the alleged murder of her husband, Michael Cochran. The 47-year-old is charged with first-degree murder following the death of Michael on February 11, 2019. The couple had been married for nearly 19 years.
At the time of Michael’s death, Natalie was overseeing a Ponzi scheme that swindled investors, including Michael’s own parents, out of millions of dollars. She pleaded guilty in 2021 to federal wire fraud and other charges related to the scheme and was sentenced to 135 months in prison.
Documents tied Michael to the fraudulent scheme, and during Natalie’s federal sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Frank Volk remarked that Natalie continued to perpetrate the fraud even while her husband lay dying. The judge described her actions as “more robust and thoughtful” in continuing the scam even during such a personal crisis.
Initially indicted for murder in November 2021, the charges were dropped in April 2023 after prosecutors requested the exhumation of Michael’s body for further testing. However, in October 2023, Natalie was re-indicted on charges of first-degree murder.
While the defense strategy remains unclear, Natalie suggested during her sentencing that her husband had struggled with substance abuse, including the use of steroids and illicit supplements. She stated that Michael’s addiction to controversial alternative therapies had escalated, leaving her to deal with the aftermath. “Every day I wish Mike were here,” she said. “I wish he hadn’t left me to deal with this alone.”
Currently serving her federal sentence, Natalie Cochran could face a life sentence if convicted of murder.
