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
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.