The Kelly Cochran Murder is a thrilling case.
The disappearance of Chris Regan from Iron River, Michigan, in 2014 left investigators perplexed.
Despite initial dead ends, the case took a dramatic turn when Detective Jeremy Ogden of the Hobart Police Department became involved.
Subsequent revelations and a series of unconventional tactics would shed light on the truth behind Regan’s disappearance.
The Suspects: Kelly and Jason Cochran
Initially considered persons of interest, Kelly and Jason Cochran, co-workers of Chris Regan, emerged as the main suspects.
However, due to insufficient evidence, the couple went free and relocated to Hobart, Indiana.
A Homicide Investigation Unfolds:
After Jason Cochran’s suspicious death in 2016, Detective Ogden took charge of the case.
A pivotal moment came when the FBI received an anonymous tip linking Jason’s death to Regan’s disappearance.
This led to an extensive investigation involving interrogations, undercover operations, and unique approaches to unravel the truth.
Establishing Trust with Kelly Cochran:
Detective Ogden aimed to build a rapport with Kelly Cochran and gain her cooperation.
His strategy was to leave certain information unsaid during their initial interview, fostering an open line of communication and cultivating trust.
The Affair and Deception:
Collaborating with Iron River Police Chief Laura Frizzo, Ogden discovered that Kelly had been involved in an affair with Chris Regan at the time of his disappearance.
While Kelly claimed that Jason knew and tolerated the relationship, interrogation videos of Jason revealed a different story.
Ogden believed that maintaining this relationship was crucial to keep Kelly engaged without raising suspicion.
A Psychological Ploy:
Detective Ogden observed Kelly frequently visiting a specific area in the woods after Jason’s death.
Drawing inspiration from this pattern, Ogden carved the words “CHRIS IS HERE” onto a tree stump in the same location.
This strategic move had a profound impact, as Kelly sprinted out of the woods upon seeing the altered stump.
Subsequently, she reached out to Ogden, expressing a need to talk.
The Confession and Its Consequences:
During their conversation, Kelly confessed that her husband Jason had shot and killed Chris Regan.
Despite this admission, Ogden knew that extensive investigative work lay ahead.
Kelly attempted to shift blame onto her deceased husband, leaving him defenseless.
A Victimized Culprit:
Ogden orchestrated the interviews with Kelly to create an atmosphere where she felt like a victim.
These interactions provided her with an opportunity to absolve herself of guilt.
Closure and Legal Proceedings:
Kelly’s confession led authorities to the remote location of Chris Regan’s remains in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
She pleaded guilty to the murder of her husband, Jason Cochran but contested the charges related to Regan’s death.
After a jury trial, Kelly Cochran was convicted of first-degree murder and is currently serving a life sentence.
The Unwavering Protest of Innocence:
Despite her conviction, Kelly Cochran maintains her innocence to this day, adding a lingering sense of mystery to the case.
Conclusion
The tireless efforts of Detective Jeremy Ogden and the collaborative investigation between the Iron River and Hobart Police Departments brought the truth behind Chris Regan’s disappearance to light.
Though the case is closed, the echoes of Kelly Cochran’s ongoing claims of innocence remind us that some mysteries may never fully unravel.
