DNA results confirm body of accused I-75 shooter

LAUREL COUNTY, KY. (WSAZ) - Kentucky’s Chief Medical Examiner Dr. William Ralston and the state police crime lab have identified the body found near I-75 on September 19th as Joseph Couch.

The body was sent off for DNA testing and an autopsy to get a positive identification and cause of death. A soft tissue test was administered but came back inconclusive due to the deterioration of the remains. Friday’s results are from a bone DNA test and returned a positive identification for Joseph Couch.

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

Couch is accused of shooting at vehicles driving on I-75 injuring 5 people on September 7th. A more than two week manhunt ensued after Couch ran from the scene. On Thursday human remains were found by Troopers with the help of a couple who had been looking for Couch. The body was found near exit 49 where that shooting occurred, alongside some personal effects and a weapon that led investigators to believe the remains were Couch.

Dr. Ralston also released Couch’s cause of death as a wound consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot to the head. The official autopsy report will not be available for release until toxicology results return.

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