
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

'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

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

‘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

Utah Investigator Says He Has New Evidence That Shows Kurt Cobain Was Murdered
A Utah investigator turned over new evidence to police, on top of a report by a team of forensic experts who say Kurt Cobain’s death wasn’t a suicide, it was was murder. A retired Seattle Police captain agrees and says original investigators botched the case
Jen KocherApril 04, 2026

Rock Springs Activist Defends Raid On Wisconsin Beagle Lab, Says Arrest Was Worth It
A Rock Springs animal rights activist who helped raid a Wisconsin beagle lab earlier this month said saving abused dogs was worth getting arrested. “It’s not a crime to rescue abused animals when they are suffering,” she told Cowboy State Daily.
Jen KocherMarch 25, 2026

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







