Chandice Cochran

Case Information:

Chandice Rebecca Cochran was a 28-year-old resident of Sutton, West Virginia, West Virginia, when she vanished on August 20, 2019. Her disappearance began when her mother returned from work to find Chandice gone and a handwritten note left behind.

The note stated: “Mom, I took off for a little while. I’m in good hands, I promise. Be back shortly, please don’t worry, no need to. Call if you need me. Love you, Chan.” Despite the note’s reassuring tone, Chandice left all her belongings at home, taking only her phone and a small change purse.

Case Details:

Investigators determined that Chandice was picked up on the afternoon of August 20 by Kristopher Speas. The pair traveled to the Birch River area of Nicholas County, where police believe they may have been involved in drug-related activity.

They visited the home of Sam Kelly, who reported that the two left his residence on foot around midnight and never returned. Shortly after her disappearance, a local resident discovered Chandice’s change purse and identification discarded in a wooded area near Birch River.

Timeline of Events:

On August 20, 2019, Chandice left her home in Sutton during the afternoon hours. By midnight, she and Speas were seen leaving a residence in Birch River on foot, coinciding with the exact time her cellular phone was permanently disabled.

At 7:00 a.m. on August 21, Sam Kelly witnessed Kristopher Speas walking alone along Widen-Dille Road, several miles from where they were last seen together. When questioned, Speas claimed he was under the influence of drugs and could not recall what happened to Chandice.

Investigation:

The West Virginia State Police have interviewed Speas multiple times; he is currently serving time for unrelated convictions, including grand larceny and failure to register as a sex offender. In May 2024, new information led authorities to execute a major search warrant in Clay County.

Forensic teams focused on the 9100 block of Widen-Dille Road, seizing items that were sent to the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory for testing. As of February 14, 2026, the case remains an active priority as detectives wait for final forensic conclusions.

Community Response:

The Sutton community has remained deeply involved in the search for Chandice, frequently sharing her distinctive tattoo description to keep her case from going cold. The discovery of her identification in the woods has led many to believe that local knowledge is key to solving the case.

Advocacy groups continue to highlight the dangers of the drug trade in rural West Virginia and how it complicates missing persons cases. Community members are encouraged to report any sightings of the blue Chrysler 300 used on the night she vanished.

Family Statements:

Chandice’s family remains haunted by the note she left, believing it may have been written under duress or false pretenses. They describe her as a loving daughter who would never have intentionally abandoned her family or her belongings.

Her mother continues to seek justice, emphasizing that the “good hands” Chandice mentioned in her note clearly did not protect her. The family hopes that the 2024 forensic search will eventually provide the evidence needed to bring Chandice home.

Physical Appearance:

Chandice is a white female with blue eyes and hair that was naturally brown but frequently dyed blonde. She stands 5’3” tall and weighs approximately 110 pounds.

Her most identifiable feature is a tattoo on her right leg that reads “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.” Her profile is maintained in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) to aid in identification efforts.

Current Status:

As of April 21, 2026, Chandice Rebecca Cochran is still missing. While Kristopher Speas remains a central figure in the investigation, no charges have been filed in direct connection to her disappearance.

The West Virginia State Police Sutton Detachment continues to review the case file and forensic evidence. Law enforcement remains hopeful that the “new information” which prompted the 2024 search will eventually lead to a breakthrough.

Contact Information:

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Chandice Cochran, please contact the West Virginia State Police at 304-765-2101. Please reference Agency Case Number: 3320-18063.

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