UPDATE: During a news conference in Laurel County, officials said they believe the body found earlier Wednesday near Exit 49, is that of suspected shooter Joseph Couch. Phillip Burnett, commissioner of Kentucky State Police said, “Laurel county can rest much easier, knowing that this manhunt has come to a conclusion.” Officials say evidence in the area is still being processed, but they believe, because of items, including a weapon found there, the body is that of Couch. Authorities say they are waiting for DNA evidence to be returned from the state to make a positive identification. ORIGINAL STORY: LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky State Police (KSP) troopers have located a body near exit 49 on I-75 in Laurel County, according to Trooper Scottie Pennington. Detectives are currently working to confirm the identity of the individual. This discovery comes as authorities continue their investigation into the September 7th shooting on I-75 near exit 49, where multiple people were shot while traveling in their vehicles. The suspected shooter, 32-year-old Joseph Couch, has been the subject of an intense manhunt in the surrounding area, including the Daniel Boone National Forest. Couch has been considered armed and dangerous, prompting law enforcement to conduct a large-scale search using helicopters, drones, and ground teams. Authorities have not yet confirmed if the body found is connected to the ongoing search for Couch. KSP detectives are continuing their investigation, and more updates are expected as the identity is verified. Categories: Featured, Local News, News Tags: Body Found, exit 49, I-75, joseph couch, Laurel County, local news, News, shooting