BEAVER, W.Va. — A former Raleigh County pharmacist pleaded not guilty Monday in the murder of her husband and a trial date was scheduled for later this year.
Natalie Cochran, 43, formerly of Daniels, and a current inmate at the Hazelton Prison in Preston County, appeared in person in Beckley for her arraignment.
Cochran was originally indicted in November 2021 in the February 2019 death of her husband Michael Cochran. It’s alleged she killed her husband while they were under federal investigation for operating a Ponzi scheme. She was later convicted on federal fraud charges for stealing $2 million from family and friends. She’s currently serving an 11-year prison term at the federal prison in Hazelton. Her current release date is in 2030.
The original murder charges against Cochran were dropped last year so her husband’s remains could be exhumed for a second time and re-examined. She was re-indicted for a second time last September.
Cochran entered a not guilty plea Monday in Raleigh County Circuit Court. The judge scheduled her trial for Aug. 12.
Cochran was transported back to the federal prison at Hazelton following Monday’s hearing.