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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.

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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.”

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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

23-year-old Rayshun Bates killed in off-duty officer-involved shooting at Twin Peaks in Huntsville

Three other people were also injured and are still being evaluated at this time.

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A tragic incident occurred at Twin Peaks on University Drive in Huntsville’s MidCity District late Saturday night, where a 23-year-old man, Rayshun Bates, was killed, and three others were injured in an off-duty officer-involved shooting.

Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles reported that the situation began when a fight broke out between two groups at the restaurant.

The altercation escalated, leading to the involvement of an off-duty Huntsville Police Department (HPD) officer, who discharged their weapon during the incident.

The Madison County Coroner, Tyler Berryhill, confirmed on Sunday morning that Bates, who sustained gunshot injuries at the scene, had unfortunately passed away.

An autopsy is scheduled to take place in Huntsville later in the week to provide further details.

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While Chief Giles did not provide specific updates on the conditions of the other individuals shot, it was reported that a total of four people were transported to Huntsville Hospital Trauma Services for treatment.

According to HEMSI (Huntsville Emergency Medical Services, Inc.) spokesperson Don Webster, the shooting was reported around 9:50 p.m. and one person remains in critical condition while the others are still undergoing evaluation.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has taken over the investigation and is working to gather evidence and understand the sequence of events that led to this tragic outcome. Further updates are expected as ALEA proceeds with its investigation.


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