Body Suspected to be Fugitive Shooter Joseph Couch Found in Laurel County, Kentucky

Fugitive search in woods.

Body Found in Laurel County Could Be Joseph Couch

Laurel County, Kentucky – Kentucky State Police have confirmed that a body has been discovered in a wooded area near Exit 49 off Interstate 75, and they suspect it may belong to Joseph Couch, the man who allegedly opened fire in a recent shooting incident nearby. The body was found on Wednesday afternoon and the search is reaching a conclusion that has drawn significant attention over the last two weeks.

Details of the Discovery

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) London Post received a call around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday informing them that two troopers and two civilians had stumbled across a body during their search. The area where the body was located is less than a mile from the original shooting scene. An aerial view by a local news helicopter showed a police presence in the vicinity, indicating that they were actively searching for clues.

Officers conducting a search had noticed vultures circling in the area, which usually indicates the presence of something deceased. Upon entering the woods, they encountered Sheila and Fred McCoy, who were searching for Couch. Shortly thereafter, they discovered the body.

Identification Process Underway

Although police have not confirmed the identity of the body as Couch’s, they mentioned that there are “articles associated with the body” which lead them to believe it is him. The nature of these articles has not been disclosed. The body is being sent to the Frankfort Medical Examiner’s office for formal identification.

Police Response

KSP Commissioner Colonel Phillip Burnett Jr. expressed confidence that this discovery would bring closure to the search for Joseph Couch. He remarked, “We’re very confident that this brings closure to our search for Joseph Couch.” Laurel County Sheriff John Root also shared his hope that the county could return to its regular operations as the investigation appears to be winding down.

In a show of compassion, Sheriff Root noted that Couch’s family had been cooperative during the search, emphasizing that the family should not be blamed for Couch’s actions. He expressed a wish that Couch could have been found alive, stating, “I really wish we could have located Joe Couch and we would’ve had him live.” He further explained the importance of a proper legal process for Couch.

Continued Investigation

Despite the body discovery signaling a turn in the ongoing investigation, police indicated that detectives and officers remain on the scene to process the information and gather evidence. The McCoy family, who were instrumental in finding the body, recorded the incident for their YouTube channel, stating, “If someone is dead, there will be vultures. Follow the vultures.”

Reward for Information

In appreciation for their efforts, KSP announced that the McCoy family would receive a $35,000 reward that had been offered by the department and private donors for any information leading to Couch’s location.

Background on the Shooting Incident

The search for Couch began after a shooting incident occurred in Laurel County almost two weeks ago. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported, and all injuries sustained during the event were confirmed to be non-life-threatening. Multiple searches have targeted the nearby Daniel Boone National Forest, covering nearly 28,000 acres.

Police reportedly found Couch’s abandoned Toyota vehicle on a hill near a forest access road the night after the shooting. The following day, an AR-15 was discovered, believed to be the weapon used in the incident. As of Tuesday, officials communicated that the focus of their search would shift from the forest back into the local community, indicating that this ongoing situation is far from over.