Crime
Body found in Laurel County identified as I-75 shooting suspect Joseph Couch, Governor Andy Beshear Confirms
The identification was confirmed through DNA analysis conducted by the state medical examiner’s office and crime lab.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 20, 2024) – Governor Andy Beshear announced today that the unidentified body found in Laurel County has been positively identified as Joseph Couch, the suspect accused of shooting five people on Interstate 75 on September 7th.
The identification was confirmed through DNA analysis conducted by the state medical examiner’s office and crime lab.
“We appreciate the efforts of everyone involved in the search and are relieved that no one else was harmed,” said Governor Beshear. “We will continue to support those injured and the Laurel County community as they recover from this tragic event.”
The body was discovered in the deep brush behind exit 49 in Laurel County on September 18th. Personal effects and a weapon found at the scene were consistent with Couch.
Due to the advanced state of decomposition, initial soft tissue DNA testing was inconclusive. However, bone samples were successfully used to obtain a positive identification. “I commend the medical examiner’s office and KSP crime lab for their diligence and expertise in securing this identification,” said Dr. Ralston. “This brings closure to a tragic situation.”
KSP Commissioner Burnett praised the collaborative efforts of numerous agencies involved in the manhunt, calling it one of the largest team efforts he has witnessed in his career. “We are eternally grateful for the assistance and resources provided by our local, state, and federal partners,” he said.
Yesterday, Dr. Ralston released the preliminary cause of death as a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The official autopsy report will be available upon completion of toxicology testing.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office will continue to lead the investigation into the Interstate 75 shooting.
Crime
Anna Kepner Stepbrother Timothy Hudson Charged With Murder Months After Her Death Aboard Cruise Ship
Brevard County, Fla. — New court filings reveal that Timothy Hudson, the 16-year-old stepbrother of 18-year-old Anna Kepner has been charged with homicide in connection with her death, months after she was found deceased aboard a cruise ship during a family vacation.
Anna, a resident of Titusville, was discovered dead in her stateroom on November 7, 2025, while traveling with family aboard the Carnival Horizon.
According to court documents, her body was found under a bed in the cabin.
Filings state that she died from asphyxiation resulting from what was described as a “bar hold.”
Because Anna’s death occurred while the ship was in open water returning to Miami following a weeklong Caribbean cruise, the case is being prosecuted in federal court.
On February 20, Thomas Hudson filed an emergency petition in Brevard County seeking sole custody of his 9-year-old daughter, whom he shares with his ex-wife, Shauntel Hudson.
The child currently resides primarily with Shauntel and her husband, Chris Kepner—Anna’s father.
The petition asserts that there has been a “significant and unanticipated change in circumstances” warranting an immediate modification of parental responsibility and time-sharing arrangements. The filing references information circulating on social media from the Kepner family indicating that Anna’s 16-year-old stepbrother was charged with homicide on February 3 by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida.
The document further alleges that newly obtained information may call into question the judgment and parenting decisions within the household.
A law enforcement source confirmed that the 16-year-old appeared in federal court in Miami on February 6.
According to the source, U.S. Marshals escorted the teen to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, where he and a public defender appeared before a magistrate judge in a closed hearing.
Following the proceeding, Shauntel Hudson and Chris Kepner released a statement expressing frustration over the court’s decision to grant the teen release.
“At this time, it is deeply painful and disturbing to our family that the person responsible is able to walk freely. This reality adds to our grief and outrage,” the statement read in part. “It is devastating to know that while we live every day with the loss of our child, the individual responsible has not yet been fully held accountable.”
The homicide charge marks a significant development in a case that has drawn attention due to the location of the alleged crime and the family relationships involved.
Federal authorities continue to handle the prosecution, and additional court proceedings are expected as the case moves forward.
The investigation remains active.