Crime
Body of I-75 Shooting Suspect Joseph Couch Found Near Exit 49 in Laurel County
UPDATE: Kentucky State Police (KSP) is confident that the body discovered this afternoon is that of Joseph Couch, the suspect in the recent shooting incident on Interstate 75.
Articles found near the remains led investigators to this conclusion. Sheila and Fred McCoy, who had been actively assisting in the search efforts, are credited with their invaluable contribution.
While the positive identification is highly probable, officials are still awaiting the results of DNA testing for definitive confirmation.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
YouTubers Hatfield McCoy Adventures discovered a body while searching for Joseph Couch in a heavily wooded area near Exit 49 in Laurel County. The couple, who were live-streaming their search, found the heavily decomposed remains. Detectives are now working to identify the body.
The couple was drawn to the area by the presence of circling vultures. Vultures are known to gather above animals or humans that are sick, wounded, or dying, waiting for them to perish before feeding.
A body has been discovered in the area of the I-75 mass shooting in Laurel County, Kentucky. Kentucky State Police found the remains near Exit 49 and are currently working to identify the deceased individual.
The body’s discovery comes a week after Joseph Couch opened fire on I-75 near Exit 49, injuring five people. Authorities have been actively searching for Couch since the incident.
This latest development follows a recent announcement by Governor Andy Beshear and Kentucky law enforcement leaders regarding a reallocation of resources to the community. The extensive manhunt had placed a significant strain on local agencies.
Hundreds of tips have been received by law enforcement, and over 28,000 acres of the Daniel Boone National Forest have been searched in the effort to locate Couch.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.