Frankfort, KY – The man accused of shooting five people on Interstate 75 has been found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Kentucky State Police.
Joseph Couch, the suspect in the Sept. 7 1-75 shooting, was discovered on Sept. 18 near Exit 49 in Laurel County. A body believed to be Couch was located in dense brush, along with personal effects and a firearm consistent with those reported in the investigation.
DNA extracted from bone confirmed his identity after soft tissue testing was inconclusive due to advanced decomposition, said Kentucky’s Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. William Ralston.
Authorities had been conducting a statewide manhunt for Couch, who fled after the shooting incident. His death ends the search, but the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate the I-75 shootings.
The autopsy report is pending the return of toxicology results.
