In September 2024, a harrowing incident unfolded on Interstate 75 near London, Kentucky, when 32-year-old Joseph Allen Couch opened fire on passing vehicles, wounding five individuals and damaging multiple cars. The attack initiated an extensive manhunt that concluded with the discovery of Couch’s body, bringing relief to a community gripped by fear. 

In September 2024, a harrowing incident unfolded on Interstate 75 near London, Kentucky, when 32-year-old Joseph Allen Couch opened fire on passing vehicles, wounding five individuals and damaging multiple cars. The attack initiated an extensive manhunt that concluded with the discovery of Couch’s body, bringing relief to a community gripped by fear.

The Shooting on Interstate 75

On the evening of September 7, 2024, Couch positioned himself on a hillside overlooking I-75 near Exit 49 and discharged approximately 20 to 30 rounds from a Colt AR-15 semi-automatic rifle at passing vehicles. The assault resulted in injuries to eight people—five from gunfire and three from subsequent vehicle collisions—and damage to at least 12 vehicles. Authorities recovered Couch’s abandoned vehicle, the rifle, ammunition, and personal items near the scene, indicating a premeditated act.

The Manhunt

Following the shooting, law enforcement agencies launched a massive search operation across the Daniel Boone National Forest, employing drones, helicopters, and K-9 units. The intensity of the manhunt led to school closures and heightened security measures in the region. Investigators discovered that Couch had legally purchased the AR-15 rifle and 1,000 rounds of ammunition shortly before the attack. Text messages sent to his ex-wife revealed his intent to “kill a lot of people” and then himself.

Discovery of the Body

On September 18, 2024, retired couple Fred and Sheila McCoy, acting as amateur bounty hunters, discovered human remains in a wooded area near Exit 49. They were drawn to the location by the presence of vultures and a foul odor. The body was later confirmed to be that of Joseph Couch through DNA analysis. An autopsy revealed that he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Community Impact and Closure

The conclusion of the manhunt brought a sense of relief to the community, which had been on edge since the shooting. Governor Andy Beshear expressed gratitude to all involved in the search and emphasized the importance of community resilience in the face of such tragedies. The McCoys were awarded a $25,000 reward for their role in locating Couch’s remains.

Background on Joseph Couch

Joseph Allen Couch was a former U.S. Army reservist who served as a combat engineer from 2013 to 2019. Prior to the shooting, he had been arrested in February 2024 for making terroristic threats, including threatening to kill a neighbor and the neighbor’s dog with an AR-15. Despite these warning signs, he was able to legally acquire the weapon used in the attack.

Ongoing Questions

While the immediate threat has been neutralized, questions remain regarding the motives behind Couch’s actions and the systemic issues that allowed him to carry out such an attack. The incident has sparked discussions on mental health, gun control, and the effectiveness of background checks in preventing similar tragedies.