Almost a decade after a single father disappeared in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, investigators are revealing the extensive efforts they made to apprehend the suspect, known as the “devil woman of Michigan,” in connection with his brutal murder.
The vanishing of Christopher Regan in 2014 led detectives in Iron River on a convoluted path that ultimately uncovered the shocking revelation of two murders committed by a seemingly “bored” wife.
In 2017, Kelly Cochran, who was romantically involved with Regan, received a life sentence for his killing. Subsequently, she was handed a 65-year prison term for the murder of her husband, Jason Cochran, a year later.
Reflecting on her actions, Kelly Cochran expressed to “20/20” from the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in a recent episode titled “Where Monsters Hide,” that aired on Friday, “I was trying to follow the conventional path of going to school, getting married, and building a life, but I grew bored of the routine.”
Iron River investigators swiftly identified Kelly and Jason Cochran, who was Regan’s colleague, as potential suspects in Regan’s disappearance, although it took considerable time to amass sufficient evidence for prosecution.
Former Iron River Police Chief Laura Frizzo disclosed to “20/20” that Jason Cochran had a motive due to his marital relationship with Kelly, which was marred by infidelity. The couple’s troubled marriage led Kelly Cochran to live as if she were single, Frizzo explained.
During a search of the Cochrans’ residence, investigators discovered blood splatter on the ceiling, a damaged doorframe, and a journal entry by Jason Cochran hinting at foul play. Subsequently, it was revealed that Kelly Cochran had murdered Regan, a military veteran, inside the house.
Neighbors of the Cochrans reported hearing the couple using power tools late at night shortly after Regan’s disappearance. The following day, they hosted a barbecue with a significant amount of meat, as per ABC.
One neighbor, David Saylor, speculated during a police interview, “What if they were actually those kinds of people who killed the guy, dismembered him, and then invited us over for dinner?”
Private investigators located the Cochrans in Hobart, Indiana, nearly two years after Regan went missing, when Kelly Cochran dialed 911 to report her husband’s unresponsiveness.
Following an autopsy that revealed Jason Cochran died from asphyxiation, suspicion turned towards Kelly Cochran as a suspect in both men’s deaths.
She later confessed to administering heroin to her husband and suffocating him.
Hobart Police Department Detective Jeremy Ogden described the psychological strategies he employed to elicit Kelly’s admission of guilt. Notably, he carved the phrase “CHRIS IS HERE” into a tree after observing her frequent visits to a specific park.
That same evening, Kelly disclosed to Ogden for the first time that Regan had been murdered, initially blaming Jason for the crime and alleging that he coerced her into dismembering the body. She also claimed in court that Jason had been abusive.
Ogden remarked to “20/20,” “I was aware of [Kelly’s] capacity for violence. Every interaction with her was non-coercive, and that was crucial to reaching a resolution.”
Reiterating her claims during the interview with “20/20,” the convicted killer asserted that Jason restrained her while he killed Regan.
Frizzo added, “With [Kelly], it was a pattern of deceit punctuated by moments of truth. Deciphering her statements was a complex task.”
Kelly informed authorities of a pact she had with her husband that served as the motivation for the murders. Allegedly, if either spouse strayed, the offending party would have to eliminate their lover or face retribution from the other spouse, as reported by ABC.
Although Kelly pleaded not guilty in Regan’s case, a jury convicted her on all charges after a brief deliberation of three hours.
Regan’s former girlfriend, Terri O’Donnell, shared with Fox News Digital that he was a vibrant individual who cherished life and enjoyed outdoor activities like hiking. She described him as someone who was constantly seeking personal growth and education.
Inside ‘Devil Woman’ Kelly Cochran’s Plot to Kill Lover, Husband
Background
Kelly Cochran gained notoriety in 2016 for her involvement in a chilling plot to kill her lover, Chris Regan, and her husband, Jason Cochran. The case shocked the small town of Iron River, Michigan, where the Cochran couple resided, and it quickly gained national attention for its bizarre and twisted details.
The Plan Unfolds
Kelly Cochran’s plan to kill Chris Regan and her husband involved a web of lies, manipulation, and violence. She convinced Chris to meet her at her home, where her husband Jason was waiting to kill him. After disposing of Chris’s body, she allegedly confessed to her husband that she had an insatiable desire for killing and wanted to kill him next.
Motive
It is believed that Kelly Cochran’s motive for the murders was rooted in jealousy and a desire for control. She reportedly felt threatened by Chris Regan’s intentions to end their affair and feared losing her husband if he found out about her infidelity. The murders were seen as a way for her to maintain power and dominance in her relationships.
Case Studies
Kelly Cochran’s case is a chilling example of how jealousy and a need for control can drive people to commit heinous acts. The intricate web of deceit and violence she wove to carry out her plan serves as a cautionary tale for the consequences of unchecked emotions and desires.
| Key Points |
|---|
| Jealousy and control were Kelly Cochran’s motives |
| The plot involved manipulating her lover and husband |
| The case shocked the small town of Iron River, Michigan |
Practical Tips
When dealing with feelings of jealousy or a desire for control, it is important to seek help from a therapist or counselor. These emotions can spiral out of control and lead to dangerous behavior if left unchecked. Open and honest communication in relationships is also crucial to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.
Benefits
By learning from Kelly Cochran’s case, individuals can better understand the destructive nature of jealousy and the importance of healthy communication in relationships. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of giving in to negative emotions and the need to address them in a constructive manner.
Meta Title
Inside ‘Devil Woman’ Kelly Cochran’s Plot to Kill Lover, Husband – A Chilling Case of Jealousy and Control
Meta Description
Discover the chilling details of Kelly Cochran’s plot to kill her lover and husband out of jealousy and a desire for control. Learn from her case the importance of healthy communication in relationships and seeking help for negative emotions.
