A gunman opened fire from a cliff’s ledge onto a dozen cars on Kentucky’s Interstate 75, injuring five people. This incident instilled fear in the surrounding communities and led one couple to join the manhunt for the shooter.
Authorities spent eleven days searching the vast Daniel Boone National Forest for 32-year-old Joseph Couch. Before the shooting, Couch had texted a woman expressing his intention to “kill a lot of people” and then “kill myself afterwards.”
Five days into the search, Fred and Sheila McCoy ventured into the dense forest, motivated by a $35,000 reward and a desire to restore community safety. “This guy has been stressing this community out,” Fred McCoy told CNN. Schools closed, businesses locked their doors, and authorities urged residents to avoid the wilderness as Couch evaded capture. Meanwhile, the community supported the five injured victims through blood donations.
#UPDATE : The I-75 shooter “Joseph Couch” has been found deceased and half eaten by buzzards, in the Daniel Boone National Forest, by Bounty Hunters Fred and Shelia McCoy#Kentucky #Shooting #ActiveShooter #London #Manhunt #Joseph #KentuckyShooting #Fred #SheliaMcCoy pic.twitter.com/NDxJmh0sSL
— upuknews (@upuknews1) September 19, 2024
Despite facing treacherous terrain, including sinkholes and thick brush, law enforcement could not locate Couch. The search ended on Wednesday when the McCoys, led by circling vultures and a foul smell, discovered a decomposing body. They livestreamed their discovery on YouTube, attracting significant attention.
Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. confirmed that both the McCoys and two troopers found the body, believed to be Couch, in rural brush off Interstate 75 near London, Kentucky. Though the body has not been positively identified, items found with it linked it to Couch.
An initial DNA test was inconclusive, necessitating further tests. Chief Medical Examiner Dr. William Ralston stated that the autopsy indicated a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, and a toxicology test is pending.
Investigators have not disclosed Couch’s motive. Laurel County Sheriff John Root expressed regret at not capturing Couch alive to understand his intentions and ensure justice through the courts.
Authorities found Couch’s vehicle near Exit 49 with an empty gun case inside. The search involved drones, helicopters, dogs, and numerous officers. The manhunt caused major disruptions, leading to school and church cancellations and businesses taking extra precautions.
The I-75 shooting was one of several interstate shootings that week. Couch had legally purchased an AR-15 with 1,000 rounds of ammunition for nearly $3,000 before the attack. During the incident, bullets hit twelve cars, and five travelers were injured, some severely.
Authorities linked Couch to the crime through text messages he sent to a woman, who called 911 and provided screenshots. Couch was charged with five counts of attempted murder and five counts of first-degree assault.
The incident added to the growing number of mass shootings in the US, with at least 397 occurring this year, as reported by the Gun Violence Archive.
What Other Media Are Saying
- CNN reports on the discovery of Joseph Couch’s body by a couple searching for a reward, linked to a highway shooting incident in Kentucky, highlighting their determination and vigilance. (Read more)
- NBC News reports a Kentucky couple, Fred and Sheila McCoy, discovered the suspected body of highway shooter Joseph A. Couch by following circling vultures, bringing closure to the community. (Read more)
- The Guardian reports on a couple, Fred and Sheila McCoy, who became bounty hunters and found the remains believed to be Joseph Couch, the shooter responsible for injuring five on Interstate 75 in Kentucky. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was the suspect in the Kentucky I-75 shooting?
The suspect was 32-year-old Joseph Couch.
How long did the manhunt for Joseph Couch last?
The manhunt lasted eleven days.
How many people were injured in the Kentucky I-75 shooting?
Five people were injured.
What led the McCoys to find the body believed to be Couch?
They noticed a group of vultures and a strong foul smell.
Will the McCoys receive the reward for finding the body?
Yes, they are expected to receive the full $35,000 reward.
