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.
Merced Police Department officers are actively investigating a shooting that occurred near Merino Park in North Merced on Tuesday afternoon.
At approximately 3:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area following multiple reports of gunfire in the vicinity of the park.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers located a gunshot victim near the intersection of Morning Dove Avenue and Sunrise Drive, just east of Merino Park.
First responders rendered aid at the scene before the victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The extent of the victim’s injuries has not yet been disclosed.
A short time later, officers detained an individual in the surrounding area.
At this time, it remains unclear whether the person taken into custody is the suspected shooter or otherwise involved in the incident.
Authorities have not released any additional details regarding a motive or the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Investigators remain on scene, canvassing the area and gathering evidence.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation.
The Merced Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.
Further updates will be provided as more details become available.