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.
Crime
Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A security guard has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a Center City IHOP over the weekend that left a 43-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday at the IHOP located in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who police say was unhoused, was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators report that the victim had been causing a disturbance inside the restaurant prior to the shooting. As security personnel escorted him outside, he allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards.
That guard, identified as 38-year-old Yahaira Melendez, allegedly responded by drawing her firearm and shooting the victim once in the head.
Police say preliminary findings indicate the victim was not armed at the time of the incident.
Melendez, a mother of three, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder and related offenses.
In a statement Melendez’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the situation, writing in part:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security. We know she would never harm anyone unless she felt she had no other choice to protect herself or others.”
The shooting has left nearby workers and residents shaken.
“Escalation — where was the escalation?” asked Karr Anderson, who works next door to the restaurant. “Security guards need to know how to withhold, how to show restraint.”
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether proper security protocols were followed and what led to the use of deadly force.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending family notification.