Manhunt ends as a body is discovered
LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The Kentucky State Police have confirmed that a body found near I-75 in Laurel County is likely that of Joseph Couch, the suspect in a mass shooting that left five people injured on September 7th near Exit 49. The discovery marks the end of an intense manhunt that captured the community’s attention over the past weeks.
ABC 36 reporting live from the scene, explained that the body was discovered in a wooded area close to where we were standing. “State Police, along with locals Sheila and Fred McCoy, found the body just off the highway, here in these woods”.
According to state police, the discovery came after officers noticed vultures circling a particular section of the forest during their search efforts on Wednesday. The McCoys, who were also searching the area and livestreaming on YouTube, stumbled upon the body, which they described as having a foul smell.
The live stream captured the critical moments leading up to the discovery, with Fred McCoy announcing he had found a body before the stream abruptly ended. Shortly thereafter, state police held a press conference to discuss the findings.
Commissioner Phillip “PJ” Burnett of the Kentucky State Police stated, “There were articles associated with the body, so at this time we feel it’s Joseph Couch. I want to recognize some folks, because they’ve been very cooperative with our troopers, and provided troopers with relative information.” He thanked the McCoys for their role in locating the body.
The McCoys are set to receive a $25,000 reward for their efforts in finding the body, which is being transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort for official identification.
This development brings some closure to the communities affected by the tragic events of September 7th, though many questions about the motives behind the shooting may remain unanswered.
