The Chilling Disappearance of Chris Regan: Inside Kelly Cochran's Murder House Discovery
The mysterious disappearance of Chris Regan in October 2014 sent shockwaves through the small town of Iron River. When Terod Doral reported her friend missing to Police Chief Laura Frizo, it triggered an investigation that would reveal a web of complex relationships and suspicious circumstances. Chris's meticulously planned life suddenly went off-track—his apartment showed signs of interrupted packing for his upcoming move to North Carolina, his prized Hyundai Genesis abandoned at a park-and-ride, and a telling Post-it note with directions marking his final known journey.
As investigators dug deeper, they uncovered that Chris had been involved with Kelly Cochran, a married woman whose husband Jason claimed to accept their relationship. The investigation took unexpected turns when Kelly's involvement with another man, Eric Ericson, came to light. Though Eric was initially suspected, he passed a polygraph test, redirecting suspicion toward the Cochrans. Text messages revealed Jason's growing resentment about Kelly's relationships, suggesting the possibility of a jealous husband's involvement in Chris's disappearance.
Key Takeaways
Chris Regan's carefully ordered life and unexplained disappearance immediately raised red flags for local police investigators.
Multiple romantic entanglements centered around Kelly Cochran created a complex web of potential motives for foul play.
Evidence including an abandoned car, suspicious behavioral cues, and revealing text messages gradually shifted the investigation's focus toward the Cochrans.
Noticing a Friend's Absence
Worried Report of Chris Regan's Disappearance
On October 27, 2014, a distraught Terri Jo Doral approached Iron River Police Chief Laura Frizo in the station's parking lot. She was visibly shaken as she attempted to report her friend Chris Regan missing. Chris hadn't been seen for several days, triggering immediate concern in Terri.
When investigators visited Chris's apartment, they found it in a state of transition. The normally meticulous man's home showed signs of someone in the middle of packing. "His paperwork to accept the position in North Carolina wasn't even sent yet," noted one investigator examining his calendar, which indicated he had planned to resign on the 14th with his last workday scheduled for the 23rd.
Chris's abandoned Hyundai Genesis was discovered at a park-and-ride, raising further alarm. This vehicle was described as his "baby" that he meticulously maintained. Inside the car, authorities found a crucial piece of evidence—a Post-it note with directions, which Terri immediately identified as potentially significant: "Wherever those directions went to, that was the last place he was."
Chief Frizo's Investigation Begins
Police Chief Laura Frizo immediately recognized the seriousness of the situation and called in Sergeant Cindy Barret for assistance. Together, they began a systematic investigation into Chris Regan's unexpected disappearance. The initial search revealed no signs of forced entry at his apartment and no evidence suggesting he had planned to leave permanently.
As Chief Frizo delved deeper, she discovered Chris had a reputation as someone who dated multiple women simultaneously. This crucial detail led investigators to Kelly Cochran, a girlfriend of Chris and a recent hire at Oldenberg where Chris worked. When questioned at her home, Kelly was accompanied by her husband Jason, who claimed to be accepting of her relationship with Chris.
During questioning, investigators noted several red flags:
Kelly spoke about Chris in past tense
Jason appeared unusually emotional, mentioning recent mental health issues
Kelly confirmed an intimate relationship with Chris while Jason uncomfortably agreed
The investigation took an unexpected turn when authorities discovered Kelly was simultaneously involved with another man, Eric Ericson, who also worked at Oldenberg under Chris's supervision. This complex four-person entanglement prompted further investigation into potential jealousy motives. However, Eric passed a polygraph test, redirecting focus back to the Cochrans.
Text messages revealed Jason's growing anger about Kelly's relationships with other men, including a confrontation with Chris after spotting Kelly's truck at his residence. As the investigation continued, fourteen days after Chris's disappearance, Chief Frizo couldn't shake the feeling that something sinister had happened to the missing man.
Investigation of Chris Regan's Home
Noteworthy Disorder Inconsistent with Chris's Typical Habits
When investigators entered Chris Regan's apartment, they immediately noticed something unusual. The living space displayed a level of disarray that seemed completely at odds with Chris's personality. Friends and family had consistently described him as methodical and organized in his daily life.
Personal items were scattered about in a manner suggesting either a hasty departure or some form of disturbance. The bedroom closet stood partially empty, with clothing items strewn across furniture rather than neatly hung or folded as would be expected. Several drawers remained open with contents disorganized.
Unfinished Documentation and Packed Items
Investigators discovered a stack of incomplete paperwork on Chris's desk. These documents included partially filled employment forms and other administrative materials that appeared to have been abandoned mid-process. The presence of these unfinished tasks contradicted the narrative of someone who had planned a permanent departure.
In one corner of the apartment, they found several boxes containing personal belongings. These items had been carefully wrapped and packaged, yet remained in the apartment rather than being shipped or transported. A shipping label had been created but never applied to any of the containers.
The combination of packed belongings alongside everyday items still in use created a puzzling scene. This arrangement suggested Chris may have been preparing for a temporary absence rather than permanently leaving the area.
Examining the Abandoned Vehicle
Finding the Hyundai Genesis at Local Transit Point
When Chris Regan disappeared, one of the first significant discoveries was his abandoned Hyundai Genesis at a local park and ride location. This discovery immediately raised concerns among investigators, as friends described the vehicle as "his baby" - a prized possession that Chris meticulously maintained. The condition and location of the vehicle contradicted Chris's careful, detail-oriented personality.
Inside the vehicle, investigators found Chris's knee brace, which he typically wore following a recent accident. This personal item left behind further suggested the suspicious nature of his disappearance, as it was something he would normally have with him.
The Critical Sticky Note Evidence
Perhaps the most telling piece of evidence discovered in Chris's abandoned vehicle was a Post-it note containing written directions. This small but crucial clue quickly became central to the investigation when one of Chris's friends informed police that "wherever those directions went to, that was the last place he was."
The Post-it note eventually led investigators to an address belonging to Kelly Cochran, one of Chris's girlfriends. This connection became pivotal in the investigation timeline as it established:
The last known location Chris likely visited
A direct link to Kelly Cochran, who worked at Oldenberg where Chris had helped hire her
A potential motive involving Kelly's husband, Jason Cochran
This simple piece of paper ultimately directed investigators toward the complex relationship dynamics that would become the focus of their investigation into Chris's disappearance.
Looking Into Personal Lives
Chris Regan's Relationships and Social Connections
Chris Regan maintained a reputation as a meticulous planner who organized his life with careful precision. His friends described him as extremely neat, keeping his apartment well-organized. When investigators searched his residence after his disappearance, they found it uncharacteristically disheveled, with packing boxes scattered about—evidence of his planned relocation to North Carolina for a new job opportunity.
Chris had earned a reputation in the community as someone who frequently dated multiple women simultaneously. His vehicle, a Hyundai Genesis, was described by friends as "his baby," something he took exceptional care of. The discovery of this carefully maintained car abandoned at a park-and-ride location immediately raised concerns among those who knew him well.
A post-it note found in his vehicle contained written directions, which investigators quickly identified as a crucial clue in tracking his final movements. This small detail aligned with Chris's known habit of writing important information on post-it notes.
Involvement with Kelly Cochran
Kelly Cochran, a 33-year-old woman who had recently moved to town, became a central figure in the investigation. She and Chris had formed a connection as fellow "city folk" adjusting to small-town life. Their relationship began at work, where Chris had actually been involved in Kelly's hiring process at Oldenberg.
When investigators questioned Kelly about her relationship with Chris, she spoke about him in the past tense—a detail that immediately caught their attention. More surprisingly, Kelly's husband Jason was apparently aware of her relationship with Chris. During questioning, Jason presented himself as a distressed spouse who had chosen to accept his wife's affair rather than end the marriage.
The situation proved even more complex when investigators discovered Kelly was simultaneously involved with another man named Eric Ericson, who also worked at Oldenberg Group under Chris's supervision. This created a complicated romantic quadrangle that investigators needed to untangle.
Text messages revealed growing tensions between all parties. Jason had spotted Kelly's truck outside Chris's residence at one point, which led to a confrontation between the two men. Despite claiming he had accepted his wife's extramarital relationships, Jason's messages to Kelly revealed significant anger and frustration about her seeing other men.
When interviewed, Kelly maintained an unusually calm demeanor while discussing these complex relationships, claiming she was "willing to help" find Chris while insisting she didn't believe anyone would have harmed him.
Kelly and Jason Cochran's Questioning Session
First Meeting with Investigators
When police initially encountered the Cochrans regarding Chris Regan's disappearance, they noticed several concerning elements. Sergeant Cindy Barret arrived at Kelly Cochran's residence and was surprised when Jason Cochran answered the door. The couple presented an unusual dynamic, with Kelly openly admitting to her relationship with the missing man. Perhaps most striking was Kelly's claim that her husband was completely comfortable with her seeing Chris, while Jason remained notably quiet during this initial conversation.
Different Behaviors During Interrogation
The Cochrans displayed markedly different demeanors when brought in for formal questioning. Jason appeared emotionally fragile, frequently becoming tearful and explaining he had been institutionalized recently. He attempted to present himself as a grieving friend while justifying his acceptance of Kelly's extramarital activities, stating: "I either had to accept it or to let her go."
Kelly, in contrast, maintained a composed demeanor throughout the interview process. Her body language remained controlled and calm while discussing her relationship with Chris. When questioned about when she last saw the missing man, she calmly stated it was "between the 12th and 15th" at his apartment. Text messages later revealed a complex situation where Jason had expressed significant anger about Kelly's relationships with other men, contradicting his tearful presentation during questioning.
Suspicious Word Choice Alerts Investigators
A crucial moment occurred when Kelly referred to Chris in the past tense during her interview. When investigators asked about Chris's car, which had been found abandoned, Kelly replied, "Yes, he loved his car." This subtle shift from present to past tense immediately raised red flags with the experienced investigators.
This verbal slip gained additional significance when combined with other discovered evidence:
A Post-it note with directions found in Chris's car
Reports of power tools being used late at night in the Cochrans' basement
Jason's documented history of confronting Chris about the relationship
The investigators recognized that people rarely use past tense when referring to someone they believe is still alive, making this linguistic choice a significant indicator of potential knowledge about Chris's fate.
Broader Investigation
The case took an unexpected turn as investigators expanded their search for Chris Regan beyond his immediate disappearance. With no trace of him at his apartment and his car abandoned at a park-and-ride, authorities needed to widen their focus to uncover what might have happened.
Complex Relationship Web Uncovered
During the investigation, police discovered that Kelly Cochran maintained multiple romantic relationships simultaneously. One significant connection emerged involving a man named Eric Ericson, who worked at Olden Bley Group—the same company where Chris served as his supervisor. This created a complicated web of relationships that required closer scrutiny. Text messages between Kelly and Eric showed growing tension, with Eric expressing frustration approximately one week before Chris vanished. Investigators considered whether Eric might have been motivated by jealousy or resentment regarding his supervisor's relationship with Kelly, potentially providing a motive for involvement in Chris's disappearance.
Eliminating Potential Suspects
To determine Eric's possible involvement in Chris's disappearance, investigators arranged for him to take a polygraph examination. Eric readily agreed to the test, demonstrating willingness to cooperate with authorities. The results proved significant for the investigation's direction—Eric passed the polygraph, effectively removing him from the list of primary suspects. This development forced investigators to refocus their attention on the Cochran household, particularly Jason Cochran, who as Kelly's husband had clear potential motives stemming from his wife's extramarital relationships.
Text messages revealed Jason's significant distress about Kelly's behavior. He frequently expressed anger and frustration about her dating other men, directly communicating that he didn't want her seeing anyone else. The situation escalated when Jason spotted Kelly's truck outside Chris's residence, which led to a confrontation between the two men. This incident added a crucial piece to the timeline of events preceding Chris's disappearance.
Renewed Focus of Investigation
Jason Cochran's Potential Motivations
The investigation shifted toward Jason Cochran as authorities recognized several concerning elements about his behavior and circumstances. Though he initially portrayed himself as an accepting husband who had come to terms with Kelly's extramarital relationships, deeper examination revealed significant inconsistencies.
Text messages recovered by investigators showed a man deeply troubled by his wife's affairs. Despite claiming separation from Kelly, Jason continued living in the same house while expressing intense jealousy about her relationships with other men. His communications revealed mounting frustration and anger, particularly regarding her relationship with Chris.
Jason's emotional state appeared increasingly unstable. He disclosed to investigators that he had been institutionalized a month prior and was seeing a therapist for depression. When questioned about the source of his issues, he attributed them to:
Losing a close friend
His marriage falling apart
Struggling with his wife's relationships
In one particularly telling incident, Jason spotted Kelly's truck parked outside Chris's residence, which triggered a direct confrontation between the two men. This physical evidence of his wife's involvement with Chris seemed to escalate tensions significantly.
Kelly Cochran's Suspicious Behaviors
Kelly's conduct throughout the investigation raised numerous red flags that investigators couldn't ignore. During initial questioning, she made a subtle but critical error by referring to Chris in the past tense, saying "yes he loved his car" before his status as deceased or alive had been determined.
Her unexplained absences from home became a focal point as the investigation progressed. Jason noted multiple occasions when Kelly would return home around 1:30 AM without explanation. These nocturnal activities coincided with troubling reports from neighbors who described hearing power tools and sanding noises from the Cochran basement during overnight hours.
Kelly maintained an unusually calm demeanor during questioning, appearing collected while discussing her relationship with Chris. When asked directly about her last contact with him, she provided a vague timeframe:
"Between the 12th and 15th"
Location: "at his apartment"
No specific details about their interaction
The investigation uncovered that Kelly wasn't just involved with Chris and her husband but was simultaneously seeing Eric Ericson—creating a complex web of relationships. Even more surprisingly, Eric worked at Oldenberg Group where Chris was his supervisor, adding another layer of potential conflict to the situation.
