Initial DNA test on remains believed to be of suspected Kentucky highway shooter is inconclusive
An initial DNA test on remains believed to be that of alleged I-75 shooter Joseph Couch was inconclusive, but a self-inflicted gunshot was the cause of death.
An initial DNA test on remains believed to be those of Joseph Couch, the suspect in the Interstate 75 shootings, was inconclusive, but an autopsy confirmed the cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound, state officials said.
The soft tissue DNA test was “inconclusive due to extreme decomposition of the body,” and a further DNA test with material extracted from bone will be completed, the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet said in a news release.
Couch, 32, a former Army reservist, had been the subject of a manhunt after five people were shot and seriously wounded as they drove on Interstate 75 north of the small city of London on Sept. 7.
Authorities said he had texted someone about 30 minutes before the shootings and wrote, “I’m going to kill a lot of people. Well try at least.”
At least 12 vehicles were struck, and 20 to 30 rounds are thought to have been fired, officials said.
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