Naman Shrestha
On February 11, 2019, Michael Cochran‘s active life came to a sudden halt when he died of insulin poisoning, despite receiving treatment at the Hospice of Southern West Virginia in Beckley, West Virginia. The entire community was taken aback by the tragedy, which was covered in a detailed manner in ABC’s ’20/20: Small Town, Big Con’ and NBC’s ‘Dateline: The Devil’s in the Detail.’ As evidence indicated the involvement of his wife, Natalie Cochran, the police zeroed in on her. The people most affected by all this were Michael’s parents, Donna and Ed Bolt, and Natalie’s parents, Daphne and Larry Jessup.
Michael Cochran’s Parents Showcased Unwavering Courage Throughout the Trial
Michael Cochran was born to Donna Bolt and Michael Edward Cochran on December 23, 1980, in Beckley, West Virginia. However, after the marriage ended, Donna tied the knot for the second time with Edward “Ed” Bolt, who became Michael’s stepfather. Despite providing their child with love and support throughout his life, the pair drifted apart from him when Natalie Jessup entered his life. According to Ed and Donna, she tried to complicate Michael’s relationship with them. They also claimed that she would regulate his meetings with them, claiming that he was unwell and did not want to visit them. Donna also alleged that Natalie used to lie to others about Michael’s relationship with them.
In February 2019, Ed and Donna Bolt became concerned when their beloved son was hospitalized. As he began showing signs of improvement, they were relieved and prayed for his recovery soon. However, their entire world turned upside down on February 11, 2019, when they received the news of his death. As his wife, Natalie, was charged with murder and defrauding many people through a Ponzi scheme, the Bolts made it their mission to bring her to justice. During her trial in January 2025, Ed referred to his stepson’s killer as a manipulator and the face of evil, who had ruined many lives. He also stated, “I miss him, I miss ‘hey buddy, what’s going on, what are you up to?’ Seems like a small thing, but it’s the small things that I cherish the most. I think of Michael every day.”
Once Natalie was found guilty of murder on January 29, 2025, Donna addressed the court, saying, “We would just like to say we thank everybody for your prayers. It’s been a long time coming. February the eleventh of 2025 will be six years since Michael Brandon had been murdered.” She and her husband believed that justice had finally been served. Michael’s mother also claimed that Natalie still hadn’t apologized for her deeds. Urging the jury not to show any mercy for her, the Bolts reminded them of how she heinously poisoned their son with insulin. After the convict was denied mercy and sentenced to life without a chance at parole, Donna said that Michael was “finally resting in peace.”
Donna and Ed Served as Staunch Advocates For the Passing of the Michael Brandon Cochran House Resolution
Though the perpetrator behind their son’s murder was ultimately brought to justice and will remain behind bars for the remainder of their life, Donna and Ed continued their mission to raise awareness about the issue and ensure no one else has to endure the painful ordeal their son was put through. They urged the citizens and the authorities to come together and aid in the passing of a bill that would prevent insulin murder. The formal proposal pushed for the doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in the state to receive thorough education and training programs in relation to the clinical use of C-peptide testing. It further called for the funding to be provided through government grants, public-private partnerships, or NGO initiatives, and to ensure that no penalties are imposed if a doctor chooses not to adopt the test of their own will.
In February 2025, Donna appeared on the podcast named ‘Creepalachia’ by J.D. Belcher, wherein she read aloud her victim impact statement and reminisced about her son. Explaining how she’d always stand for her son, she wrote, “I’m not a public speaker, but when it comes to Michael Brandon, I will always stand up for him and be his VOICE.” In March, Donna took to Facebook to announce the unanimous passing of the aforementioned Michael Brandon Cochran House Resolution. She and Ed were later invited by the officials at the signing of the same at the Charleston WV State Capitol Building on April 9, 2025. Marking their presence at the blessed event, she thanked the WV Delegates and expressed her gratitude, writing, “Sitting up high – watching it all take place.”
Donna and Ed Hold Michael’s Memories Close to Their Hearts
In mid-April, Donna shared a wholesome encounter she experienced at Dollar Tree, one that touched her heart. Throughout their ordeal to obtain justice for their son, the grieving parents have been showered with immense support from their family, friends, and the members of the community. Along with their own strength and resilience, the devout Christian credits the power of God as their primary motivator to face the adversities with their heads held high. As of today, the former nurse and her husband, Ed, who prefers to stay away from the world of social media, are trying to move forward in their lives. While the void left by their beloved Michael’s passing can never be filled, Donna and Ed continue to honor his memories and celebrate his life, every chance they get.
Daphne Jessup Requested the Jury to Show Her Daughter Mercy During the Sentencing
Natalie Cochran is the daughter of Daphne and Larry Jessup, who were shocked to learn about their daughter’s involvement in a Ponzi scheme and the poisoning death of their son-in-law, Michael Cochran. Both of them were in attendance during her trial. When she was convicted of first-degree murder, the Jessups tried their best to earn mercy for their daughter. Daphne asked for mercy from the jury, saying, “My grandchildren they need their mother. Larry and I probably won’t be here much longer at our age if she’s gone that long. We’ll probably never get to hold her again but maybe her children can if you give us some mercy.”
She added, “I do, I beg, I don’t know what else I can say except please give mercy to her, it won’t be for me probably, but it would be for her children and her grandchildren someday.” Even Natalie’s father, Larry, took the stand and described her as a compassionate person before asking for mercy during her sentencing. However, their efforts went to waste as she did not receive a chance at parole, as mentioned above. Ever since the sentencing hearing, Natalie and her husband have gone away from the limelight and are seemingly processing the deeds of their convicted daughter.
Read More: Michael and Natalie Cochran’s Kids: Testimonies and Update After Tragedy
