Insulin Poisoning Ponzi Scheme Cover-Up?! The Case of Michael & Natalie Cochran

Published on: April 3, 2025
Podcast: True Crime with Kendall Rae
Host: Mile Higher Media & Audioboom Studios

Introduction

In this gripping episode of True Crime with Kendall Rae, host Kendall delves into the astonishing case of Michael and Natalie Cochran. On the surface, the Cochrans appeared to lead a charmed life, marked by success, community involvement, and a loving family. However, beneath this façade lay a complex web of deception involving financial fraud, manipulation, and ultimately, the tragic death of Michael Cochran. This episode meticulously unpacks the layers of their story, revealing how Natalie orchestrated a Ponzi scheme that not only devastated their immediate circle but also led to Michael's untimely demise.

Background of Michael and Natalie Cochran

Michael Brandon Cochran, born on December 23, 1980, in Beckley, West Virginia, was portrayed as an exemplary individual from a young age. An only child to Donna and Michael, his life took a pivotal turn when his stepfather, Ed Bolt, entered his life at age 8, forging a close bond. Michael’s mother, Donna, reminisces, saying, “Michael Brandon was quite an impressive kid” (00:08).

Michael's athletic prowess was evident early on; he participated in various sports and achieved first place in a powerlifting competition. His dedication to health and fitness was a defining characteristic, often found working out to his favorite music (00:08).

Michael met Natalie Jessup at a sporting goods store when he was 17. Their relationship progressed rapidly, leading to an engagement in their first semester at West Virginia University and marriage by May 2000. Despite Donna’s reservations about the quick pace of their relationship, the couple settled into a seemingly idyllic life in Daniels, West Virginia, with two children: a son and a daughter, Nicole (00:08).

The Emergence of the Ponzi Scheme

In 2017, Natalie announced her departure from her pharmacist role to start a government contracting business, Tactical Solutions Group (TSG), inspired by the movie War Dogs. This marked the beginning of her foray into financial fraud. TSG purportedly supplied weapons and healthcare equipment to government agencies, attracting investments from friends, family, and community members.

Natalie’s strategy was manipulative and calculated. She presented TSG as a legitimate enterprise, often making false claims about winning classified government contracts. To entice investors, she emphasized quick and substantial returns, creating a false sense of urgency. As Kendall notes, “Natalie would tell people that she liked to be the last bidder so that nobody could bid higher than her” (00:08).

The couple's luxurious lifestyle, including multiple properties, luxury cars, and extravagant vacations, was funded by the money siphoned from unsuspecting investors. Michael's role was limited to seeking out contracts, while Natalie managed the finances, solidifying her position as the primary orchestrator of the fraud (00:08).

Manipulation and Deception

Natalie’s manipulative prowess extended beyond financial fraud. She maintained tight control over the narrative surrounding their relationship with Michael's parents, Donna and Ed. Natalie's attempts to estrange Michael from his parents were based on lies, claiming that he did not value their relationship. This deception was furthered by her convincing others that Michael wished to distance himself from his family, a claim later debunked as Natalie admitted to manipulating Donna and Ed to exclude them from the wedding (00:08).

Additionally, Natalie exploited her pharmaceutical knowledge to manipulate trust, convincing friends like Jennifer Davis to lend insulin to Michael under false pretenses. This insulin became a pivotal element in the eventual demise of Michael Cochran (00:08).

Michael's Health Issues and His Death

Despite presenting Michael as a healthy individual, underlying health issues plagued him. In late 2018, Michael underwent back surgery and sought treatment for suspected black mold exposure. Natalie capitalized on these health concerns, fabricating a cancer diagnosis to garner sympathy and avoid scrutiny over the Ponzi scheme when investors demanded returns.

On February 6, 2019, Michael fell severely ill, leading to his collapse and subsequent hospitalization. Natalie’s deception intensified as she claimed Michael had cancer, manipulating both friends and family into aiding her cover-up. Notably, she requested insulin from Jennifer Davis, under the guise of managing what she claimed were steroid-induced blood sugar spikes, a request that ultimately facilitated Michael's poisoning (00:08).

Michael's condition deteriorated rapidly, with his blood sugar levels plummeting to a fatal 21, leading to his death on February 11, 2019, from brain swelling caused by hypoglycemia. Despite multiple warnings from friends and family, Natalie's refusal to seek immediate medical attention exacerbated the tragedy (00:08).

Investigation and Trial

The unraveling of the Cochran's deceit began with suspicions arising from failed financial transactions and inconsistencies in TSG's operations. A key turning point was the discovery of Natalie's possession of insulin—a substance unnecessary for non-diabetic household members—during a police search, which contradicted her earlier claims of manipulating insulin for health reasons (00:08).

In September 2019, Natalie was arrested and indicted on 26 charges, including wire fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft, for defrauding investors and banks out of over $2.5 million. Despite the gravity of her crimes, Natalie struck a plea deal, pleading guilty to two charges in exchange for a reduced sentence of 11 years and three months in prison, along with $2.6 million in restitution (00:08).

The case took a dramatic turn when prosecutors uncovered evidence suggesting Natalie's involvement in Michael's death through insulin poisoning. Despite the challenges in establishing direct evidence, the prosecution argued based on circumstantial evidence and Natalie's history of deceit. In October 2023, Natalie was re-indicted for first-degree murder, leading to a high-profile trial that concluded in early 2025 with her conviction and life imprisonment without parole.

Key Testimonies and Evidence

Prosecutor Tom Truman emphasized the circumstantial evidence linking Natalie to Michael's death, highlighting the strategic cancellation of a critical bank meeting that would have exposed the Ponzi scheme (49:35). He underscored that Natalie’s manipulation extended to controlling financial narratives and suppressing evidence.

Robert Heinzman, the lead investigator, confirmed that Michael was unaware of the Ponzi scheme, reinforcing the prosecution's motive for Natalie to eliminate him as a threat. Jennifer Davis testified about Natalie's request for insulin, revealing her intricate knowledge of insulin management and her manipulative tactics to obtain it (59:22).

Chris Davis, Michael's best friend, provided emotional testimony about Michael's sudden health decline and Natalie's refusal to seek timely medical help, further incriminating her role in his death (62:39).

From the defense side, Natalie's team argued that Michael's health issues, including the use of unregulated steroids from Mexico, were the cause of his sudden collapse. They presented testimonies from Nicole and her brother, Michael's children, who described their father's aggressive behavior and extensive supplement regimen. However, these testimonies were contentious, with elements suggesting potential manipulation by Natalie (62:55).

Dr. Uribe, the medical examiner from the second autopsy, concluded that insulin poisoning was the sole cause of Michael's death, although the initial exhumation failed to detect insulin due to decomposition (62:55).

Verdict and Sentencing

After a lengthy and emotionally charged trial, the jury delivered a unanimous guilty verdict against Natalie Cochran in January 2025, finding her responsible for Michael's murder through deliberate insulin poisoning. The mercy phase of the trial featured harrowing testimonies from Michael's mother, Ed Bolt, and close friends, imploring the jury to deny Natalie's plea for mercy.

Judge Kirkpatrick sentenced Natalie to life in prison without the possibility of parole, marking her as the first woman in West Virginia since 1991 to receive such a sentence for murder without mercy (73:44). Despite her attempts to mitigate her punishment through emotional appeals and claims of medical conditions, the jury and prosecution's robust evidence secured her conviction.

Conclusion

The Cochran case serves as a chilling reminder of how trust can be exploited, leading to devastating consequences. Natalie's intricate web of lies not only defrauded those closest to her but also culminated in the loss of her husband's life. Kendall Rae's exploration of this case underscores the importance of vigilance and skepticism in financial dealings, especially when personal relationships are involved.

The ripple effects of Natalie's actions devastated families, drained savings, and left psychological scars on countless individuals. As the trial concluded, justice was served, but the emotional and financial toll on Michael's family remains immeasurable. This case stands as a testament to the depths of human deception and the enduring quest for justice.

Notable Quotes

Donna Cochran (Michael’s Mother): “Natalie just wanted to keep Donna and Ed from even going to their son's wedding, which is very, very sad...” (00:08)
Prosecutor Tom Truman: “There is a ton of evidence of this defendant's guilt. Why? Why would this happen? And why would it happen when it happened?” (49:35)
Jennifer Davis: “She never saw him inject himself with anything and she definitely did not think that he was sick.” (62:54)
Ed Bolt (Michael’s Stepfather): “Evil must be held accountable. Natalie Cochran must be held accountable.” (78:08)
Donna Cochran: “Think of the horrific invasion of Michael's and our dignity and privacy.” (78:08)

Closing Thoughts

The case of Michael and Natalie Cochran is a profound exploration of deceit, manipulation, and the ultimate quest for justice. As Kendall Rae meticulously unravels each layer, listeners are left to ponder the complexities of trust and the devastating impact of financial and emotional fraud. This episode not only sheds light on a specific crime but also serves as a broader commentary on the vulnerabilities within personal and financial relationships.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the mechanisms that allowed Natalie to perpetrate such widespread deceit and the importance of safeguarding against similar vulnerabilities in their own lives. The Cochran case remains a somber reminder of the depths of human manipulation and the enduring resilience required to overcome such personal tragedies.

Note: The timestamps correspond to the transcript provided and are indicative of when each quote occurs within the episode.