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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

A woman sex-trafficked by a Satanic cult still haunts — and motivates — former Converse County Undersheriff Justin Scott. Forced to medically retire from law enforcement, he’s found a new mission to rescue human trafficking victims in Wyoming. Many of those come into the state on one of its three major interstates.

Woman Used By Satanic Cult Motivates Former Wyoming Cop To End Human Trafficking

A woman sex-trafficked by a Satanic cult still haunts — and motivates — former Converse County Undersheriff Justin Scott. Forced to medically retire from law enforcement, he’s found a new mission to rescue human trafficking victims in Wyoming.

Jen KocherMay 02, 2026

The students at the Homestead Learning microschool in Gillette hosted their second-annual business fair, selling their handmade products and baked goods as part of the school's foundational principle of teaching entrepreneurial skills. 

Campbell County One-Room Schoolhouse Grows As Microschool Trend Catches Fire

The microschool started 18 months ago in Campbell County with eight students and a dream for building an alternative learning environment has since doubled in size and added a teacher. About 2% of the nation’s student population is microschooled.

Jen KocherApril 20, 2026

The body of Cody resident Shawn Hughes, who had been missing since Easter, was found on Thursday afternoon in a parked car at Yellowstone Regional Airport. “He was so full of life,” said his sister, adding that the family is in shock.

Cody Man Missing Since April 5 Found Dead In Parked Car At Airport

The body of Cody resident Shawn Hughes, who had been missing since Easter, was found on Thursday afternoon in a parked car at Yellowstone Regional Airport. “He was so full of life,” said his sister, adding that the family is in shock.

Jen KocherApril 16, 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.

'Something Is Very Wrong’: Cody Man With Mental Health Issues Disappears

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. "Something is very wrong," says his girlfriend.

Jen KocherApril 11, 2026

More than 50 years after Utah teenager Laura Ann Aime was killed, advanced DNA tech has confirmed she’s another victim of infamous serial killer Ted Bundy. It’s a bombshell breakthrough that could solve other cold cases, including in Wyoming.

DNA Breakthrough Identifies New Ted Bundy Victim In Utah; Could Solve Wyoming Cases

More than 50 years after a Utah teenager was killed, advanced DNA tech has confirmed she’s another victim of infamous serial killer Ted Bundy. It’s a breakthrough that could solve other cold cases, including in Wyoming.

Jen KocherApril 11, 2026

The family of a Rock Springs college student who vanished without a trace two months ago is desperate for answers. “It's like he’s a ghost,” says a longtime friend of Steven Sanches, who was last seen leaving campus around noon on Feb. 5.

‘It’s Like He’s A Ghost’: Search On After Rock Springs College Student Vanishes

The family of a Rock Springs college student who vanished without a trace two months ago is desperate for answers. “It's like he’s a ghost,” says a longtime friend of Steven Sanches, who was last seen leaving campus around noon on Feb. 5.

Jen KocherApril 04, 2026

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