Fred and Sheila McCoy, a couple with a passion for historical research, recently turned their investigative skills to a modern-day manhunt. The pair, known for their expertise in documenting post-Civil War era feuds in Appalachia, joined the search for a fugitive shooter who had terrorized their community.
The McCoys, residing near the vast Daniel Boone National Forest, which spans over 708,000 acres in eastern Kentucky, decided to participate in the search efforts after learning of a $35,000 reward. For five days, the couple scoured the dense woodland, live-streaming their search to an online audience.
On the sixth day of their self-imposed mission, the McCoys made a startling discovery. Drawn by circling vultures and a strong odor, they stumbled upon what are believed to be the remains of the suspected shooter, Joseph Couch. The couple captured the moment on video, with Sheila McCoy cautioning her husband about potential snake hazards as they approached the site.
The shooting incident that prompted this search occurred two weeks prior on Interstate 75, near London, Kentucky, approximately 140 miles from Louisville. Couch, aged 32, allegedly opened fire on motorists, injuring five people. Reports indicate he had recently acquired an AR-15 rifle and a substantial amount of ammunition, with intentions to "kill a lot of people."
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear addressed the discovery, stating that DNA testing was underway to confirm the identity of the remains. He emphasized the relief this development would bring to the affected communities, which had endured school lockdowns and widespread fear during the manhunt.
Fred McCoy, a 66-year-old former law enforcement officer with experience in the U.S. Marine Corps and Kentucky police, explained their motivation: "For one week we turned into bounty hunters. The more we watched the news and saw lockdowns and school closings, the more we were compelled to search for him."
The McCoys' background in historical research is rooted in their connection to the infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud, a series of violent conflicts between two families along the West Virginia-Kentucky border in the late 19th century. Until recently, they operated a small museum in Liberty, Kentucky, showcasing artifacts related to this historical dispute.
"We were just a crippled old man and crippled old woman walking in the woods."
This unexpected turn of events has not only potentially resolved a tense situation for the local community but also highlighted the impact of citizen involvement in law enforcement matters. Officials have confirmed that the McCoys will receive the reward money for their crucial role in locating the suspect's remains.
As the region begins to recover from this ordeal, the McCoys' story serves as a unique intersection of historical passion and modern-day crime-solving, demonstrating how knowledge of the past can sometimes aid in addressing present-day challenges.