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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

Beaten and turned out to turn tricks, Kelley Marshall was on track for a violent death when eagle-eyed cops recognized she and her toddler were being trafficked. “People seem to think that it doesn’t happen in rural states like Wyoming, but it does,” says an expert.

‘I Was Dead’: How Eagle-Eyed Cops Saved Woman And Toddler From A Human Trafficker

Beaten and turned out to turn tricks, she was on track for a violent death when eagle-eyed cops recognized she was being trafficked. “People think it doesn’t happen in rural states like Wyoming, but it does,” trafficking experts say.

Jen KocherMay 24, 2026

Those who know Shawn Ezekiel Hughes say they can't believe the 36-year-old Cody man with undiagnosed medical issues, including seizures, would just walk away. He’s been missing for a week as his girlfriend and friends grow more desperate to find him.

Missing Man Found Dead In Car At Cody Airport Died Of Injury And Exposure

A man found dead in a car in the parking lot of the Cody airport after being missing for two weeks died of blunt force injuries and exposure to the elements. Knowing that does little to answer his family’s questions about how he ended up in that car.

Jen KocherMay 19, 2026

Cathedral of St. Mary in Cheyenne

Wyoming Church Members Targeted By Scammers Stealing In The Name Of God

Scammers are increasingly targeting Wyoming churchgoers, appealing to their generosity and good nature to help out others in need while stealing from them in the name of God. Beware of emails from pastors that ask you to buy gift cards.

Jen KocherMay 17, 2026

Julie Fitzsimons was killed when she was run down by a distracted motorist in downtown Sheridan.

After Mother Run Down By Distracted Driver, Sheridan Woman Fights For Tougher Laws

Kate Gladdin rounded a corner in downtown Sheridan last year to see the aftermath of her mother’s death, having been run down by a distracted driver. The driver, a repeat offender, faces up to a year in jail under what Gladdin sees as Wyoming’s lax laws.

Jen KocherMay 16, 2026

Wyoming’s Kindness Ranch is rescuing 70 dogs and cats from a Colorado research lab this week. The nation’s only facility that exclusively saves lab animals has rescued thousands of beagles and cats.

Wyoming’s Kindness Ranch To Rescue 70 Cats And Dogs From Colorado Research Lab

Wyoming’s Kindness Ranch is rescuing 70 dogs and cats from a Colorado research lab this week — one of its largest rescues. The director believes this is the first of many closures as he's hearing it's longer financially feasible to use beagles and cats.

Jen KocherMay 10, 2026

In October 2001, 27-year-old Daniel "Danny" Moser was found unconscious in the parking lot of the Wagon Wheel Roller Skating Rink in Mills, outside of Casper. He was bloodied and beaten and later died of his injuries two days later. 

New Leads Could Help Crack 25-Year-Old Murder Case Of Casper Man Beaten, Run Over

New leads could help crack the 25-year-old murder of a Casper man who was beaten, run over and left to die in a Wyoming roller-skating rink parking lot. “Danny’s death destroyed our family and somebody knows something,” his sister said.

Jen KocherMay 09, 2026

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