Prosecutor named to Natalie Cochran’s murder trial in October is unclear

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)– After the return of Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Benjamin Hatfield to the Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney’s office earlier this month, it was unclear if Hatfield or a recently re-hired assistant prosecutor would represent the state in the case against Natalie Cochran.

Cochran is accused of murdering her husband, Michael Cochran in February 2019, and her trial is set to start in October.

The case has received national attention.

Raleigh County Commission hired former assistant prosecutor Tom Truman in September to prosecute Cochran’s case, after Hatfield left the Raleigh County Prosecutor’s Office temporarily in August.

Hatfield left after three Raleigh County Circuit Court judges sent a letter to Raleigh County Commission, requesting that workplace allegations against Hatfield be investigated.

Nine members of his staff indicated they plan to file civil lawsuits, alleging their civil rights were violated in their workplace.

Hatfield returned to the office last week, saying the absence was voluntary.

State code shows the elected prosecuting attorney has authority to appoint an assistant prosecuting attorney to the case.

Hatfield declined on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, to comment on whether Truman will present the state’s case.

“I won’t comment on it outside of saying that the Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case,” said Hatfield.

Raleigh County Commission President Greg Duckworth said the commission has no authority over the Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and Truman was hired during Hatfield’s absence to ensure the Cochran case moved forward.

Commissioners appointed Dominick Cangemi as interim prosecuting attorney, during Hatfield’s absence.

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