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.
Crime
18-year-old Kyler Naely charged for the murder in shooting death of 16-year-old Ja’Tycie Williams
An 18-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged in a deadly shooting that occurred in October, which claimed the life of a 16-year-old and injured another.
The incident began on October 6, 2024, shortly after 12:45 a.m., when officers were called to a shooting on I-244 near Yale Avenue.
Upon arrival, they discovered a gray SUV riddled with bullet holes and shattered windows. Investigators determined that seven people were inside the vehicle at the time of the shooting.
Two occupants of the vehicle suffered gunshot wounds.
One victim, 16-year-old Ja’Tycie Williams, sustained critical injuries and succumbed to them several weeks later. The other victim suffered a minor gunshot wound to the arm and survived.
Preliminary investigations revealed the incident was linked to a fight at the Tulsa State Fair earlier that evening.
Witnesses reported that the altercation, which occurred as the group was leaving the fairgrounds, likely escalated into the highway shooting.
Following an in-depth investigation, Tulsa Police Homicide Detectives identified 18-year-old Kyler Naely as the suspect responsible for the shooting.
On November 19, 2024, Naely was arrested, charged with first-degree murder, and booked into the Tulsa County Jail.
Authorities emphasize that the case remains under investigation and are urging anyone with additional information to contact Tulsa Crime Stoppers at 918-596-COPS. Callers can remain anonymous.