Further DNA testing identifies body found in Laurel County as I-75 shooter Joseph Couch
The body found in Laurel County earlier this week has been confirmed as alleged the Interstate 75 shooter, Joseph Couch.
Kentucky’s Chief Medical Examiner Dr. William Ralston and the state police crime lab used DNA extracted through bone marrow to confirm Couch’s identity, officials said Friday afternoon.
Yesterday, officials said initial testing had been inconclusive, but that an autopsy revealed the cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot to the head.
“We appreciate everyone involved in the search and are grateful no one else has been hurt,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “We will continue to be there for those injured as well as the Laurel County community as they recover from this tragic situation.”
Couch is accused of shooting five people in Laurel County near Exit 49 off the interstate on Sept. 7, setting off a massive manhunt in the Daniel Boone National Forest. His body was discovered Wednesday by Kentucky State Troopers and two civilians, Fred and Sheila McCoy, who were searching in the woods, near where he shot 12 vehicles earlier this month.
While missing, Couch was charged with five counts of attempted murder and five counts of first-degree assault.
There were no fatalities in the shooting.
Although state police could not initially confirm the body was Couch, items found on the body indicated his identity, they said Wednesday evening. The medical examiner’s office will also be running a toxicology test.
“Due to extreme decomposition of the body, the soft tissue DNA test was inconclusive, but today we were able use bone from the suspect to get a positive identification,” Ralston said. “I want to recognize the medical examiner’s office and KSP crime lab for working together and being diligent in obtaining positive identification so the commonwealth can move forward from this tragic situation.”
A manhunt involving 14 agencies lasted 10 days, as officials combed 28,000 acres of the Daniel Boone National Forest on foot and with the help of dogs, drones and helicopters.
Couch had sent texts to a woman before the shooting, saying “I’m going to kill a lot of people,” adding, “Well (I’m going to) try at least,” according to an affidavit. He said he planned to kill himself afterward.
After the shooting, police found Couch’s vehicle and later an AR-15 rifle Couch is thought to have used in the crime. He bought the gun at a store in London hours before the shooting.
The McCoys had been searching in the woods for several days, livestreaming as they looked for Couch. They, along with several KSP troopers, found the body after noticing vultures and a strong smell in the area.
For their efforts, the McCoys will receive $25,000 of the reward money.
This story was originally published September 20, 2024 at 4:14 PM.