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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. โ Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.