FRANKFORT, Ky. — Authorities believe they have found the body of Joseph Couch, the man suspected of opening fire on Interstate 75 in southeastern Kentucky, wounding five people and damaging a dozen vehicles. The discovery, made with the help of two private sleuths, could bring closure to the intense, nearly two-week search that had residents on edge.
Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. confirmed Wednesday that the body, found earlier in the day, was believed to be Couch, a resident of Woodbine. Personal items found with the body led authorities to this conclusion, though an autopsy is still pending to confirm the cause of death.
The search for Couch began after a chaotic shooting spree on September 7th near London, Kentucky, a town of 8,000 people about 75 miles south of Lexington. Couch was suspected of firing 20 to 30 rounds on the highway, injuring five people, some critically. Schools in the area closed temporarily, resuming only with heightened security.
The body was found by YouTube streamers Fred and Sheila McCoy, who had joined the search efforts. They spotted vultures and followed the terrain until they detected a strong odor, which led them to the remains. Police had also noticed the same signs and arrived at the location shortly after the McCoys.
“We are very confident this brings closure to the search for Joseph Couch,” Burnett said during a press conference.
Authorities revealed that Couch had sent disturbing messages before the shooting, including a vow to “kill a lot of people” and then end his own life. His military background in the Army Reserve and a recent purchase of an AR-15 rifle with 1,000 rounds of ammunition added to the public’s concern as the manhunt unfolded.
The Laurel County Sheriff, John Root, expressed relief that the search had ended but sorrow over its outcome. “I don’t think anybody wished to find him in this condition,” he said. “I’d rather he’d been alive and could have paid for what he’s done.”
As investigations continue, local officials hope the discovery brings some peace to the community and healing for the victims and their families.