Crime
I-75 shooting in Kentucky was a ‘Planned Attack’ by suspect Joseph Couch, Laurel County sheriff’s department confirms
He was released just last month on a $1000 bond for terrorist threats.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Department has stated that yesterday’s mass shooting in northern Laurel County was a premeditated attack perpetrated by suspect Joseph Couch.
Authorities are actively searching for 32-year-old Joseph Couch, who is now considered a suspect in the mass shooting in Laurel County. A multi-agency effort involving federal, state, and local law enforcement is underway.
Laurel County Schools Closed Due to Safety Concerns. As a precautionary measure, all Laurel County schools will be closed on Monday, September 9, 2024, due to ongoing safety concerns related to the recent active shooter incident.”
The priority is to apprehend Couch before nightfall. If this proves unsuccessful, the search will be temporarily suspended overnight due to safety concerns within the wooded area.
Authorities believe Couch remains in the vicinity of the shooting. An AR-style rifle and a cell phone have been recovered near Exit 49 on Interstate 75.
Local schools are in close communication with law enforcement. Laurel County has announced that all schools will be closed on Monday.
The shooting is believed to be a random act and is not connected to road rage. Nine vehicles were struck by gunfire, resulting in injuries to five individuals. No fatalities have been reported.
Limited information is currently available about Couch. Authorities have not confirmed whether he has any military background. His criminal record is relatively minor, with no prior incidents of this magnitude.
Law enforcement acknowledges the possibility that Couch may be deceased but remains focused on locating him, regardless of the outcome.
Authorities describe Couch as “committed” and continue to investigate his motive for the shooting.
On November 8, 2024, the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office filed a criminal felony charge against Christian Martin, 18, in connection with the October 28 fatal shooting of 15-year-old Nelson Manuel López Correa, who died days later from a gunshot wound to the head.
Following the filing of charges, a felony arrest warrant for Martin was issued on Monday, November 11.
Martin is charged with first-degree intentional homicide with the use of a dangerous weapon. If convicted, he faces a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
According to the criminal complaint, López Correa was with a girl he was dating and another male teen near the 1600 block of W. Forest Home Avenue when Martin, who had previously dated the same girl, approached them.
The complaint states that Martin had spoken to the girl the previous day, but upon seeing her with López Correa, he allegedly initiated a conversation with her.
She reportedly told him she no longer wanted to date him, at which point Martin struck her on the side.
As she and López Correa stood by a bus stop, Martin allegedly shot López Correa from behind, causing the girl to flee to a nearby gas station.
Police recovered surveillance footage from the scene, showing Martin allegedly shooting López Correa and the girl running from the area.
The other male teen who was with López Correa told police he had briefly gone home to check the bus schedule.
As he was returning to the bus stop, he heard a gunshot and saw López Correa fall, at which point Martin had reportedly fled.
In the wake of López Correa’s tragic death, his family is organizing a “Justice for Nelson Manuel López Correa” peaceful march on November 16, 2024, to raise awareness and call for justice.
The gathering will begin at 9:30 a.m. at S. 16 Street and W. Forest Home Avenue. Around 10:40 a.m., participants will march to the Milwaukee Police Department’s District 2 Station at 245 W. Lincoln Avenue in Milwaukee.