Couple Turns Bounty Hunters to Locate Remains of Kentucky Highway Shooter Joseph Couch

Fred and Sheila McCoy, known for their YouTube videos on the Hatfield-McCoy feud, recently played a crucial role in locating a body believed to be Joseph Couch. Couch, 32, allegedly fired at vehicles on Interstate 75 on 7th September, injuring five people. The McCoys decided to search the rugged terrain near London, Kentucky, after hearing about the incident and school closures.

Their discovery has brought relief to the community, which had been on edge since the shooting. Kentucky State Police acknowledged the McCoys' efforts in finding the remains. "For one week we turned into bounty hunters," Fred McCoy told The Associated Press. "The more we was watching the news and saw lockdowns and school closings, the more we were compelled to search for him."

Community Relief After Discovery

The remains were found near where Couch allegedly opened fire with an AR-15. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stated that once identification is confirmed, it will end a tense period for local residents. "We have every reason to believe that this is Joseph Couch," Beshear told reporters at the Kentucky Capitol in Frankfort. "But a final and determinative identification has not yet been possible. There is DNA testing going on right now."

In a YouTube livestream, the McCoys documented their search in dense woods. Sheila McCoy noted a foul smell before discovering the remains. "Oh, Lord, this is nasty. Oh, my goodness, this is gross," Sheila says while warning her husband to watch out for snakes.

Search Efforts and Community Impact

The couple had informed police of their search plans and livestreamed their efforts for safety reasons. Fred McCoy expressed surprise at finding the remains so unexpectedly. "We didn’t know we was going to find him like that," he said. "We could’ve found him with a gun pointed at us."

The McCoys live a few counties away from where the shooting occurred. Despite recent surgeries—Sheila's back and Fred's knee—they felt compelled to assist in the search after a Friday night date. Fred McCoy, a retired police officer and descendant of a Hatfield-McCoy marriage, shared their decision to help.

Community Reaction and Investigation Details

The discovery eased tensions among residents who had been living in fear of an armed suspect nearby. Heather Blankenship, a local mother of three, expressed relief after seeing the McCoys' video. "I feel a huge sense of relief," she said.

Authorities revealed that Couch purchased an AR-15 and about 1,000 rounds of ammunition from a local gun store hours before the shooting. Laurel County Judge-Executive David Westerfield noted that residents felt they could return to normal life following the discovery.

The shooter fired 20 to 30 rounds during the incident, causing chaos but no fatalities among the five injured victims. The McCoys' actions have not only helped bring closure but also highlighted community resilience during challenging times.