Kentucky State Police Provide Update on Search for Suspect in I-75 Shooting

Unidentified body found believed to be suspect Joseph Couch.

LONDON, Ky. (Sept. 18, 2024) — Tonight, the Kentucky State Police (KSP), along with local, state and federal partners, provided an update on the search for Joseph Couch, the suspect accused of shooting five people Sept. 7 on Interstate Highway 75 in Laurel County.

KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr announced that at approximately 3:30 p.m. today, troopers and two civilian individuals located a body in the deep brush behind exit 49 in Laurel County.

“We are very confident that tonight brings closure to the search for Joseph Couch. I want to thank all partners for their collaborative effort to bring this to a successful conclusion,” said Commissioner Burnett. “The people of Laurel County can rest much easier now that this manhunt has been concluded.”

Burnett advised that troopers had been searching in the area all day as they had noticed vultures in the air. They continued to try and locate the exact area where the vultures were circling and detected a heavy odor consistent with a decomposing body.

While moving through the thick terrain and trying to locate the smell, the troopers heard voices and immediately identified themselves as state police troopers and asked that the individuals identify themselves. The couple, Fred and Sheila McCoy, advised the troopers that they were also looking for Joseph Couch.

Almost immediately after that interaction, the troopers and the McCoys stumbled upon the unidentified body.

The body will be transported Thursday to the Kentucky State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort. Personal artifacts and a weapon found with the body are consistent with the suspect.

The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office will continue to lead the 1-75 shooting investigation.

“I am very proud of the efforts and manpower used. All partners have gone above and beyond,” said Sheriff John Root. “Day one, my concern has been the residents of Laurel County and their safety. I hope our county can get back to what is normal.”

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