“The Devil’s in the Details”: Dateline Reports on Michael Cochran Homicide April 25 2025

This Friday, April 25, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET/8:00 PM CT, Dateline NBC presents a harrowing true crime episode titled “The Devil’s in the Details.” Reported by Andrea Canning, the broadcast dives deep into the murder of Michael Cochran, a West Virginia man whose sudden death in 2019 initially baffled friends and family. What began as a medical mystery slowly unraveled into a dark story of deception, financial fraud, and murder at the hands of his wife, Natalie Cochran.

Natalie Cochran, a former pharmacist turned businesswoman, had been living a seemingly successful life with her husband, operating what appeared to be a thriving government contracting firm. But behind the scenes, she was orchestrating a multi-million-dollar Ponzi scheme that would ultimately lead to murder. Through interviews, forensic analysis, and courtroom coverage, Dateline unpacks how greed and lies tore apart a family and shocked an entire community.

The Mysterious Death of Michael Cochran

Michael Cochran, 38, died on February 11, 2019, after being hospitalized for five days following a sudden and severe medical emergency. At first, his death was believed to be from natural causes. According to Natalie, Michael had come down with flu-like symptoms and was found unresponsive in their West Virginia home. She declined to seek immediate medical attention, insisting to friends that he needed to rest.

Doctors at the hospital, however, noticed that Michael’s blood sugar was alarmingly low—only 21 mg/dL—and that he was suffering from cerebral edema. Despite treatment, he never regained consciousness. With no history of diabetes and no clear reason for hypoglycemia, questions lingered. His body was released and buried, but the circumstances remained troubling to some close to the couple.

From Entrepreneurial Dreams to Fraudulent Schemes

Years before Michael’s death, the Cochrans had launched Tactical Solutions Group (TSG) in 2017, a business they claimed specialized in securing U.S. government contracts for military supplies. Natalie, who left her career in pharmacy, took the lead, convincing friends and relatives to invest large sums of money. Her inspiration, she said, came from the film War Dogs, a movie about two young arms dealers.

Natalie promised high returns, citing lucrative government deals. But there were no actual contracts—TSG existed only on paper. Early investors were paid using money from newer investors, a hallmark of a Ponzi scheme. Natalie and Michael’s lifestyle rapidly changed as they purchased multiple homes, luxury vehicles, and even took international vacations.

When $15,000 raised for a local middle school baseball team vanished while under Natalie’s management, suspicions began to mount. A private investigator uncovered personal expenses charged to the team’s account, prompting deeper scrutiny of the Cochrans’ finances. By the time authorities got involved, over $2 million had been stolen.

Cracks in the Marriage and a Sinister Cover-Up

Despite Natalie’s assurances to investors, delays in repayments and inconsistencies in explanations raised doubts. According to multiple sources, Michael began questioning Natalie about the company’s finances. Prosecutors argued that he was unaware of the fraud and genuinely believed in the business. A planned trip to meet with Bank of America officials in February 2019 was likely a turning point. Authorities believe Natalie knew the meeting would expose her lies.

On the morning of their planned departure, Michael became gravely ill. Natalie took a photo of him lying unconscious and texted it to friends. Yet, she did not take him to the hospital until hours later. By then, it was too late.

Natalie continued operating the business after Michael’s death, even attempting to sell a major stake in TSG for $4 million. However, before the deal could close, law enforcement executed a search warrant. During that search, a vial of insulin was discovered in the family refrigerator, prompting a new investigation into Michael’s death.

The Murder Indictment and Trial

Michael’s body was exhumed in 2021 for additional forensic testing. Advanced analysis revealed lethal levels of insulin that had not been prescribed. A medical examiner confirmed that his death was a homicide, and Natalie Cochran was indicted on first-degree murder charges.

At her trial in January 2025, prosecutors presented evidence that Natalie injected Michael with insulin to prevent him from discovering her fraud. Witnesses testified that Michael had no need for insulin, contradicting Natalie’s defense that he may have been using it for bodybuilding purposes. The state argued that the murder was methodically planned to avoid the collapse of her fraudulent business.

The jury deliberated for two hours before finding Natalie guilty of first-degree murder on January 29, 2025. She was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

A Community Betrayed and a Family Devastated

The case of Natalie Cochran left a profound impact on the small community of Raleigh County, West Virginia. Many of her victims were longtime friends, family members, and local residents who trusted her not only with their money but with their children’s futures. Her betrayal was both personal and financial.

Michael’s parents, Donna and Ed Bolt, were among those devastated by the dual loss of their son and the realization that their daughter-in-law was responsible. Natalie’s daughter, Nicole, testified during the trial, offering insight into the fractured family dynamics and the effects of her mother’s decisions.

Even before the murder conviction, Natalie had been sentenced in 2020 to 11 years in federal prison for wire fraud and money laundering. She was also ordered to pay nearly $2.6 million in restitution to her victims. However, her crimes did not end with financial deception—they culminated in a calculated killing to keep her secrets buried.

Aftermath and Legacy of the Case

The conviction of Natalie Cochran marked the end of a long, painful journey for Michael’s family and the many individuals defrauded by her schemes. While her federal and state sentences ensure she will spend the rest of her life behind bars, the emotional and financial scars remain.

Her case also joins a troubling pattern of recent U.S. homicides involving spouses using poison to eliminate partners. Prosecutors hope that justice for Michael Cochran may serve as a warning about the deadly lengths to which some may go to protect a façade built on lies.

Dateline’s “The Devil’s in the Details” offers an in-depth look at this tragic case, giving a voice to victims and shedding light on the layers of deceit that led to a husband’s death and a community’s betrayal.