DNA Test on Alleged I-75 Shooter Joseph Couch's Remains Inconclusive, Autopsy Confirms Suicide

In a recent development in the case of the alleged Interstate 75 shooter, Joseph Couch, state officials reported that an initial DNA test on remains believed to be Couch's was inconclusive. However, an autopsy confirmed that the cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The soft tissue DNA test proved inconclusive due to extreme decomposition of the body.

The Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet stated that a further DNA test, with material extracted from bone, will be completed. This development arises after a manhunt for Couch, a 32-year-old former Army reservist, was launched following a shooting incident on September 7, where five individuals were shot and seriously injured while driving on Interstate 75 north of London.

Manhunt and Shooting Incident

Before the shooting incident, authorities revealed that Couch had sent a text message approximately 30 minutes prior, stating, "I’m going to kill a lot of people. Well try at least." The extent of the violence was significant, with at least 12 vehicles struck and an estimated 20 to 30 rounds fired during the course of the incident.

Discovery of Remains

The remains believed to be Couch's were discovered in deep brush by a highway exit in Laurel County, where the shootings took place. The state Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. William Ralston, confirmed that the autopsy revealed the cause of death to be consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

The discovery of the remains was aided by a couple, Fred and Sheila McCoy, who were live-streaming the search for Couch's body. Their efforts, along with the circling vultures and the presence of personal articles and a gun around the body, led investigators to believe it was indeed Couch. The couple has been informed that they will receive a $25,000 reward that was offered during the manhunt.

As part of the ongoing investigation, the bone DNA test is expected to commence, and it may take between 24 and 48 hours to obtain results, as stated by the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. Despite the inconclusiveness of the initial DNA test, the autopsy findings and the series of events surrounding the case continue to shed light on the tragic circumstances involving Joseph Couch and the Interstate 75 shooting incident.