YouTubers live stream finding Kentucky I-75 shooter’s dead body
Search ends as body found in Kentucky after interstate shooting
YouTubers during a live video have streamed the moment they found the believed to be dead body of Joseph Couch, the suspect in the high profile Kentucky I-75 shooting.
Hatfield McCoy Museum Adventures, a YouTube channel presenting historical and educational content, were live streaming their search for Joseph Couch in Daniel Boone National Forest.
Proclaiming to be ‘bounty hunters’, Fred and Sheila McCoy released 3 videos covering their search for Couch.
In the videos, they mentioned that for days they had been seeing vultures flying overhead. On the fourth day, they began following the buzzards to their source, and Sheila began to pick up a disgusting smell.
Married for 38 years with two children, Fred and Sheila McCoy after navigating the hilly woods spotted deteriorated human remains before switching off the camera and ending the video.
In a fifth video, Fred and Sheila met with state troopers to investigate the remains, eventually confirming they believed them to be those of Joseph Couch.
In this video, the YouTubers and authorities provided further information and analysis on where Couch had appeared to be hiding during the manhunt.
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
Holy crap! Youtubers found #JosephCouch while live streaming.
Give them your views ya’ll https://t.co/iWejsrrBu4
Always follow the buzzards & your nose.
WOW
Laurel County Kentucky Interstate 75 shooter!
**obviously unconfirmed by DNA/dental yet https://t.co/Ere4iNtZT6 pic.twitter.com/Qik951HBKN— Ashley from 4th grade (@PhD_OnTheCouch) September 18, 2024
On Wednesday, authorities announced the discovery of the body believed to be that of Joseph Couch, ending the 11-day search.
Couch allegedly shot five individuals and damaged a dozen vehicles on Kentucky interstate I-75.
With the extensive manhunt now concluded, people online are expressing their outrage, pointing out that insufficient credit has been given to Fred and Sheila for their role in the investigation’s conclusion.
In an interview, Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. stated two civilians and two troopers located the body in dense brush off Interstate 75, northwest of London.
While this admission does indicate involvement of ‘civilians’ in the investigation, X users expressed it downplays the magnitude of their contribution.
X user Thomas wrote, “Kentucky State Troopers have Taken Credit for finding a body in Laurel County that was actually located by Hatfield McCoy Museum Adventures, an independent YouTube channel.”
Another user, MakeltStorm, replied to Kentucky State Police on X saying, “You didn’t find it The Hatfield and McCoy museum adventures did.”
Breaking:
Kentucky State Troopers have Taken Credit for finding a body in Laurel County that was actually located by Hatfield McCoy Museum Adventures, an independent YouTube Channel. Body was located near exit 49 in Laurel County Kentucky. https://t.co/sl498KQv4t pic.twitter.com/frkyHcSPsL— Thomas (@Thomas984634784) September 18, 2024
Other X goers expressed the Hatfield McCoy Museum Adventures crew should receive the reward for locating Couch, which at the time totalled $35,000.
“Joseph Couch found dead at Exit 49. The shooter. Y’all see now fbi and five oh ain’t no match for some country trackin ass folks lol,” said X user Drunk Mark Pope.
“PAY UP KSP THAT’S $35,000!!!!!”
Another user, Angry Eagle stated, “Those two deserve that reward. Found in deep dense woods being eaten by the buzzards. Well done!”
Other people outside of the controversy were impressed by how local Kentucky citizens could aid a high profile investigation.
“If it turns out the folks who run the Hatfield & McCoy Museum did what local, state and federal authorities could not do in 10 days of searching — find the suspected I-75 shooter — it’s gonna go down as one of the Top 5 most Kentucky things ever,” said one X user.
“The most Kentucky thing ever: Hatfield McCoy Museum Adventures find the guy before the police do,” said another account on X.
Items found with the remains suggest the body is Couch’s. For confirmation, the body will be sent to the state capital on Thursday.
Burnett expressed confidence the discovery concludes the search for Couch, allowing Laurel County residents some peace of mind. Details regarding cause of death are yet to be released.
The Incident
On the evening of September 7, Couch, positioned on a cliff’s edge, used an AR-15 to fire at vehicles on Interstate 75 near London. Prior to the incident, he had sent a text message indicating his intention to cause harm.
The shooting resulted in five people being hospitalised with gunshot wounds and led to the temporary closure of the highway. The subsequent manhunt also prompted school closures and warnings for residents to avoid the forested areas.
The body was discovered near Exit 49 of I-75 in Laurel County, about 10 miles from London. Authorities had earlier found a vehicle registered to Couch on a forest service road off the same exit, containing an empty gun case. An AR-15, believed to be the weapon used in the incident, was also recovered in a nearby wooded area.
What Other Media Are Saying
- CNN reports that the body of Joseph Couch, suspected of shooting five people and damaging cars on Kentucky’s I-75, has been found after an 11-day search, concluding the manhunt with authorities believing remains belong to Couch. (Read more)
- ABC News reports on the reopening of Kentucky schools under heavy police guard, focusing on enhanced security measures and the ongoing search for suspect Joseph Couch after a fatal interstate shooting. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did the YouTube channel Hatfield McCoy Museum Adventures discover?
Fred and Sheila McCoy, hosts of Hatfield McCoy Museum Adventures, discovered deteriorated human remains in the Daniel Boone National Forest, believed to be Joseph Couch, the suspect in the Kentucky I-75 shooting.
How did the McCoys find the remains?
After noticing vultures and following a foul smell, Fred and Sheila McCoy navigated the woods and eventually found the remains. They then contacted state troopers, leading to the confirmation of the discovery.
What was Joseph Couch accused of?
Joseph Couch allegedly shot five people and damaged multiple vehicles on Kentucky’s I-75 on September 7, 2024, leading to a widespread manhunt.
How have people reacted to the discovery?
Online users, especially on X, are expressing outrage, believing the McCoys are not receiving enough credit for locating the remains. Many are demanding that the $35,000 reward be given to the McCoys for their role in ending the search.
What were the circumstances of the I-75 shooting?
Joseph Couch allegedly fired an AR-15 from a cliff near London, Kentucky, injuring five people and prompting a manhunt. His abandoned vehicle and weapon were found near Exit 49 of I-75.
