Body found in area of I-75 mass shooting identified

Lina Portman2 weeks ago

0 1 minute read

Body found in area of I-75 mass shooting identified

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT/Gray News) – The body found near the scene of the Interstate 75 mass shooting has been identified.

According to a news release from Gov. Andy Beshear's Office, the body has been positively identified as Joseph Couch through DNA extracted from bone.

Couch is the suspected shooter accused of shooting five people Sept. 7 on I-75 in Laurel County. His body was found near Exit 49 Wednesday afternoon.

Previous results were inconclusive based on a soft tissue DNA test.

“Due to extreme decomposition of the body, the soft tissue DNA test was inconclusive, but today we were able to use bone from the suspect to get a positive identification,” Kentucky's Chief Medical Examiner Dr. William Ralsto said. “I want to recognize the medical examiner's office and KSP crime lab for working together and being diligent in obtaining positive identification so the commonwealth can move forward from this tragic situation.”

Ralston released the cause of death as a wound consisting of a self-inflicted gunshot to the head. The official autopsy report will not be available for release until toxicology results return.