Body I-75 Shooting: The suspect is believed to have been found

Body Found Near I-75
Weapon Found at the Scene
Autopsy to Determine Cause of Death

Authorities believe they have found the body of Joseph Couch, the main suspect in the mass shooting that occurred on Interstate 75 in Kentucky.

The body was discovered near Exit 49, in a remote area that had been the focus of an intensive search since the incident.

The Kentucky State Police reported that, while they are awaiting official identification, items found at the scene, including a weapon and other personal belongings, strongly suggest that the body is Couch.

“We are very confident that tonight we will conclude the search for Joseph Couch. I want to thank all the partners for their collaborative effort in bringing this to a successful conclusion,” said Commissioner Burnett. “The residents of Laurel County can feel much more at ease now that this search is over.”

Body Found Near I-75 Shooting

Joseph Couch, 32, was identified as the shooter who caused panic on September 7 on I-75, where several drivers were attacked.

Since then, authorities and the local community had embarked on an exhaustive search over difficult terrain spanning more than 28,000 acres.

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The body was discovered shortly after 3:30 p.m. local time, when two police officers and two civilians, participating in the search, were drawn to the area after spotting vultures circling overhead.

The presence of the scavenging birds caught the attention of the searchers, who quickly located the human remains.

Is It Joseph Couch?

Shooting, I-75, Joseph Couch, MundoNOW — Body Found Near I-75 Shooting Scene / PHOTO: AP

So far, it has not been determined how long the body had been there or the exact circumstances of the death, according to WKYT.

An autopsy is planned to establish the precise cause of death and determine whether there was any external involvement or if it was a suicide.

The weapon found at the scene is a crucial part of the investigation, but authorities have not provided specific details about its type or how it was located.

“People have been scared,” said Laurel County Sheriff John Root on Wednesday. “That’s not normal here in Laurel County, so now that this has been discovered, I hope our county can return to normal.”