After an intense 11-day search through difficult terrain around Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky State Police say a body was located close to exit 49 in Laurel County, near where the shooting took place.
KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett said, while an autopsy will be performed Wednesday to confirm his identity, their working assumption is that the search is over...
"There were articles associated with the body that, at this time, we believe it's Joseph Couch," he announced late Tuesday.
According to KSP, the remains were discovered both by troopers and a couple, Fred and Sheila McCoy, who live-streamed their own independent search in the woods. While law enforcement are jointly crediting troopers and the McCoys, the couple will be receiving $25,000 in reward money.
"The main thing that is very good tonight is that the people of Laurel County can rest easy, much easier, knowing that this manhunt has now come to a conclusion," Burnett said.
32-year-old Joseph Couch allegedly opened fire on vehicles traveling on I-75 on September 7, injuring five people. There were no fatalities, but the shooting and subsequent search led to school and business closures and a community on edge.
The investigation into the incident itself is ongoing.
