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
Fentanyl Seizures Up 264% In Wyoming; Drugs Funneled By Two Mexican Cartels
Last year, the DEA seized nearly 9 million fentanyl pills and 3,100 pounds of meth across the Rocky Mountain region, with fentanyl seizures in Wyoming up by 264%. The DEA says the drugs are being funneled to Wyoming by two primary Mexican cartels
Jen KocherJanuary 16, 2026
Mom Accused Of Killing Her 11-Month-Old Son Wants Out Of Jail, Judge Says No
The woman accused of absconding with her son from Wyoming, then killing the 11-month-old when authorities caught up with her, wants out of jail. A New Mexico judge on Monday said no, she’ll remain locked up as she faces a first-degree murder charge.
Jen KocherJanuary 13, 2026
Officials Say Human Remains Likely Those Of Sheridan Man Missing Nearly 9 Months
Authorities say human remains found Monday on the grounds of the Sheridan County Airport are likely a Sheridan man missing for nearly nine months. A DNA test is pending, but items found nearby, including a wallet, ID the body as James “Bo” Galloway.
Jen KocherJanuary 07, 2026
Family Still Desperate To Find Missing Wind River Man After 5 Years
Rupert Brown vanished from his sister’s Wind River Reservation home on New Year’s Eve 2020, leaving his coat behind. Five years later, his family remains desperate to find him amid circulating rumors and a renewed investigation.
Jen KocherJanuary 04, 2026
Jen Kocher: A Drug Runner For Pablo Escobar Or A Wyoming Kid Gone Bad
Jen Kocher writes, "I scanned the pages about Richard’s story that read more like a spy novel full of action-packed moments of flying planes feet above the ocean in the dark dodging radars, outwitting bandits and drug lords hellbent on stealing his loot, and years in a Mexican prison where he was simultaneously tortured then allowed to start a fitness equipment business. "In short, the life of a drug runner for the notorious cartel head, Pablo Escabar, during the height of the cocaine epidemic in the 1980s. "I immediately messaged my source back: 'This a Wyoming guy????'" "'Yeah, Thermopolis,' he replied. 'A Wyoming kid gone bad.'"
Jen KocherDecember 24, 2025
Officials Say Mother Of Missing 11-Month-Old Killed Baby During Standoff
A monthlong search for a missing 11-month-old boy last seen in Wyoming ended in tragedy Tuesday in New Mexico. Authorities say the baby’s non-custodial mother, who had disappeared with the child, shot and killed him as authorities attempted to negotiate a handoff.
Jen KocherDecember 24, 2025
