Identification process continues for body found in Laurel County

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky State Police says an autopsy has been conducted on an unidentified body found in Laurel County

Authorities say the body is believed to be Joseph Couch, the suspect accused of shooting five people Sept. 7 on Interstate 75 in Laurel County. On Wednesday, KSP says troopers and two individuals located a body in the brush behind exit 49 in Laurel County.

Chief medical examiner Dr. William Ralston states that the State Medical Examiner’s Office performed a soft tissue DNA test, but results were inconclusive because of the current decomposition of the body.

The next step is to conduct testing on DNA extracted from bone.

The testing will begin Friday, Sept. 20, and results could take 24-48 hours, authorities say. The medical examiner’s office will release the results once available.

“At this time, we are able to confirm that the autopsy revealed the cause of death to be a wound consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot to the head,” Ralston said. “In addition, we are performing a toxicology test to verify if any drugs were present.”

The official autopsy report will not be available for release until toxicology results are in.

During a press briefing on Wednesday, KSP commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. stated personal effects and a weapon found with the body were consistent with the suspect.

News 40 will continue to provide updates as they become available.