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Headshot of Cowboy State Daily reporter, Jen Kocher.
Features, Investigative Reporter

Jen Kocher

Jen Kocher is Cowboy State Daily's reporter in Gillette, Wyoming.

Hard-hitting, thorough, and relentless, Kocher is a bulldog who prides herself in finding the stories that are challenging, meaningful, and difficult for others to attempt.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Jennifer has lived all over the West and moved to Wyoming just under a decade ago where shes written for dozens of magazines and publications throughout the state.

With masters degrees in creative writing and nonfiction and several awards under her belt, she loves writing features and long-form stories as well.

Outside of work, Jennifer loves anything to do with birds, wine, hiking or traveling.

Latest from Jen Kocher

In 1983, 24-year-old welding student John Boutin vanished from Rawlins, Wyoming, after raising concerns about misconduct at his shop. His family believes he was killed and still seeks answers in his unsolved case.

Family Still Haunted By Mysterious 1983 Disappearance Of Rawlins Welding Student

In 1983, 24-year-old welding student John Boutin vanished from Rawlins after raising concerns about misconduct at his shop. Authorities and his family believe he was killed and are still seeking answers in the unsolved case.

Jen KocherMarch 21, 2026

Courtney Hampleman found solace in speaking to her deceased loved ones on the Wind Phone in a downtown Gillette park. It's the first of its kind in Wyoming.

Wyoming's First 'Wind Phone' Helps Gillette Residents With Grief Of Losing A Loved One

People grieve in different ways. One Gillette therapist installed a "Wind Phone" in a park to allow a person to pick up the receiver, dial a number or not, and speak freely to a loved one to share memories or grief without judgment. "I felt at peace," one woman said.

Jen KocherMarch 15, 2026

Cathy Holman, whose daughter was stalked for nearly a year, testified at the House Judiciary Committee Meeting

Legislation Making Child Stalking And Grooming Felonies Headed To Gov's Desk

Bills making child stalking and grooming standalone felony crimes are headed for the governor's desk. The stalking bill came from a high-profile case where a 41-year-old in Glenrock stalked and harassed a 16-year-old teen for a year and received probation.

Jen KocherMarch 02, 2026

Kenyan nursing student Irene Gakwa vanished from Gillette in 2022, and her family fears she’s dead. Her ex-boyfriend is a person of interest but hasn’t been charged, and the case remains active.

Now Four Years Gone, Family Fears Worst For Missing Gillette Student Irene Gakwa

It’s been four years since Kenyan nursing student Irene Gakwa vanished from Gillette in February 2022, and her family fears she’s dead. Her ex-boyfriend, now out of prison for stealing her bank card, hasn’t been charged but remains a person of interest, police say.

Jen KocherMarch 01, 2026

Gillette Police Car 6 5 25

Gillette Woman Charged With Attempted Murder After Partner Shot During Fight

A 61-year-old Gillette woman was in court Friday, charged with attempted murder after police say she shot her longtime partner during a fight the day before. Investigators say the shooting was not in self-defense.

Jen KocherFebruary 28, 2026

Richard McCoy III and Chanté McCoy talk about their father's parachute during a presentation with Dan Gryder at the DTSB Aviation Safety Summit in Orlando in January 2026.

Part 4: Who Is D.B. Cooper? FBI’s ‘One-In-A-Billion’ Parachute Returns

Part 4 In A Series: A parachute found on D.B. Cooper suspect Richard McCoy’s family property was seized and tested by the FBI, then quietly returned in December, 2025, without explanation. The ambiguous action and closed lips from the FBI is fueling new theories about the notorious skyjacking.

Jen KocherFebruary 22, 2026

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