Natalie Cochran trial faces further delays as defense requests bag of organs, blood & tissue samples, additional discovery

BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Court proceedings for Natalie Cochran continue to tread water as the defense cites issues with the discovery process, calling for evidentiary items including a bag of organs, blood and tissue samples, and more.

Representatives for the state and defense were present in Raleigh County Court on Tuesday with Natalie Cochran appearing in person and the state being represented by recently appointed Assistant Prosecutor, Tom Truman.

Cochran, who previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering, faces charges of first-degree murder with regard her late husband Michael. Pre-trial proceedings have been ongoing for many months in what appears to be an extended exercise in, “kicking the can down the road,” as it were.

Defense attorneys, Matthew Victor and Stanley Selden, have asserted at multiple hearings that evidence from the state has not been revealed in its entirety, leading to a number of delays as Raleigh County Circuit Judge, H.L. Kirkpatrick makes continual effort to move things along so that the case may see trial. A previously anticipated trial date in October appears to be unlikely at this juncture, with Selden questioning the likelihood of affairs involving discovery as well as jury selection having been completed by that time.

The state did concede during the hearing that it had been determined that the defense was not in full possession of evidentiary items which the state believed them to have received. Truman offered to have representatives for the state sit with the defense investigator to compare evidence to ensure the defense was in possession of all the information and materials necessary to proceed. Additionally, Victor stated that he did not believe these omissions to be nefarious or intentional on the state’s part.

Selden made a motion for a definitive answer from the state with regard to whether a number of evidentiary items were available or existed at all. Among these items were photos, blood and tissue samples, microscopic slides, and a bag of organs, all pertaining to Michael Cochran.

The state assured Judge Kirkpatrick that the photographs in question had indeed been presented to the defense on two separate occasions, in July and March of 2024, respectively. The medical samples in question were said to no longer be available, and retrieval of the aforementioned bag of organs would entail a third exhumation of the body of Cochran.

A motion to dismiss by the defense was denied by Judge Kirkpatrick, who appeared to express frustration at the discovery-related delays continually hindering progress in the case.

“I am of the belief that if we continue this case for two years, we’d still be back here, right before trial, arguing over discovery and dealing with the complaints from the defense that they’re not ready for trial,” said Judge Kirkpatrick. “We have to go forward. This case has been pending too long; it needs to be resolved for everybody involved.”

Judge Kirkpatrick stated that yet another pre-trial hearing – if not more – would likely be necessitated as both parties work to reach alignment with one another regarding evidence and discovery. All parties are expected to reconvene regarding investigation at 3:30pm on Tuesday afternoon.