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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

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

The Wyoming Department of Transportation is now selling a specialty Search and Rescue license plate. The inital cost is $180 with $150 going to the state-wide SAR fund with a $50 annual renewal fee.

Search And Rescue Teams Cost A Lot Of Money In Wyoming, Especially With "Extreme Sports"

Just one search and rescue mission last year took nearly 1,800 manpower hours and 220 flights. Without volunteers, it would have cost $1.7 million. Now with nearly 9 million visitors coming to Wyoming, the cost of helping stranded people is breaking the bank.

Jen KocherFebruary 14, 2026

Mix Collage 13 Feb 2026 02 03 PM 5317

Parents Desperate To Find Missing Lovell Teen

The parents of 17-year-old girl Kourtnee Roper of Lovell are asking for the public’s help in locating her, and an anonymous donor is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to her safe return.

Jen KocherFebruary 13, 2026

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