Body found near Kentucky highway shooting site is confirmed as suspect Joseph Couch

Kentucky's Chief Medical Examiner William Ralston said the cause of Couch's death was a self-inflicted gunshot to the head. It is not clear when Couch allegedly committed suicide, but the body was in such a state of decomposition that the identity could not be confirmed through soft tissue DNA.

By Misty Severi

Published: September 20, 2024 5:41pm

Kentucky officials confirmed on Friday that a body that was discovered near the site of the recent highway shooting was in fact suspected shooter Joseph Couch.

State authorities and a civilian couple discovered a body near the shooting site on Wednesday, which they believed was the suspect because of other accessories discovered with the body. Couch is believed to have injured five people in a shooting spree on Sept. 7.

Democratic Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said that an autopsy confirmed the remains belonged to Couch, who was identified "through DNA extracted from bone."

“We appreciate everyone involved in the search and are grateful no one else has been hurt,” Beshear said in the statement. “We will continue to be there for those injured as well as the Laurel County community as they recover from this tragic situation.”

Kentucky's Chief Medical Examiner William Ralston said the cause of Couch's death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to NBC News. It is not clear when Couch allegedly committed suicide, or how far from the scene of the crime it took place. But the body was in such a state of decomposition that the identity could not be confirmed through soft tissue DNA.

“Due to extreme decomposition of the body, the soft tissue DNA test was inconclusive, but today we were able use bone from the suspect to get a positive identification,” Ralston said. “I want to recognize the medical examiner’s office and KSP crime lab for working together and being diligent in obtaining positive identification so the commonwealth can move forward from this tragic situation.”

Police officials have also failed to identify a motive for the shooting so far, and there did not appear to be a specific target. The confirmation of Couch's death also comes after authorities conducted a statewide manhunt for the suspect that lasted nearly two weeks.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.