The body of a suspected gunman, Joseph Couch, who went on a highway shooting spree in Kentucky almost two weeks ago, has been found by authorities in Laurel County. The discovery was made during a manhunt, with accessories found alongside the body leading police to believe it is indeed the suspect.
Officials had been searching for Couch since September 7th, when he allegedly shot at drivers on Interstate 75 before disappearing into a remote area. The body was found by two state troopers and two civilians who were drawn to the area by circling vultures.
It remains unclear how long the body had been in the wooded area and the cause of death. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact circumstances. Additionally, an unspecified weapon was found at the site.
Local community members and authorities had been combing through 28,000 acres of the rugged area near where the incident occurred. Laurel County Sheriff John Root expressed relief at the discovery, hoping that the county can now return to normalcy.
The two civilians who helped find Couch’s remains, Fred and Sheila McCoy, could receive a reward of $25,000 for their assistance. Couch allegedly targeted a dozen vehicles during the shooting spree, injuring five people, some of whom sustained serious injuries.
Text messages sent by Couch before the incident indicated his intentions to harm people. Despite the unsettling nature of the case, officials noted that Couch’s family was cooperative throughout the search. Schools in the area were closed during the early days of the manhunt.
