Nestled within the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, Raleigh County, a region known for its scenic beauty and close-knit community, became the backdrop for a chilling tale of betrayal and murder. In 2019, the unexpected death of 38-year-old Michael Cochran shattered the tranquility, revealing a web of deceit spun by his wife, Natalie.

Natalie and Michael Cochran (Courtesy Daphne Jessup)

Already serving time for a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme, Natalie was ultimately convicted of her husband's murder, adding a life sentence without parole to her existing 11-year sentence for financial crimes.

The Cochrans' venture, Tactical Solutions Group (TSG), launched in 2017, purportedly focused on government contracts for weapons and goods. Natalie, the majority owner, left her pharmacy career to dedicate herself to the business, drawing in friends and family with promises of substantial returns. Her inspiration, she claimed, was the film "War Dogs," a detail that would later prove ironically prophetic.

Michael Cochran (Courtesy Donna and Ed Bolt)

The Cochrans' lifestyle took a dramatic turn, marked by new homes, luxury vehicles, and extravagant trips. However, the facade began to crumble with an investigation into missing funds from a local baseball league where Natalie served as treasurer. This sparked inquiries into TSG, revealing a devastating truth: the company was a sham, built on lies and fueled by the investments of those closest to the couple.

Natalie Cochran during her trial (Pool/ABC News)

As suspicion mounted, Natalie offered a litany of excuses, from government shutdowns to fabricated illnesses. But the truth was undeniable. TSG was a Ponzi scheme, with no actual contracts or revenue. The lavish lifestyle was financed by the misplaced trust of friends and family.

Nicole Cochran testifies (Pool/ABC News)

Michael's sudden death, initially attributed to natural causes, took a sinister turn when a vial of insulin was discovered during a search of their home. Exhumation and subsequent testing pointed towards foul play, leading to Natalie's indictment for murder. Prosecutors argued that she poisoned Michael with insulin to silence him and prevent the imminent exposure of her fraudulent activities. Her defense maintained his innocence, claiming he used insulin for bodybuilding and suffered from pre-existing health issues.

Natalie Cochran as the verdict is read (Pool/ABC News)

Ultimately, Natalie was found guilty, her deception and greed culminating in tragedy. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition and the profound impact of betrayal within a tight-knit community.

Donna and Ed Bolt speak with Deborah Roberts (ABC News)