I-75 Shooting Update: State Medical Examiner says soft tissue DNA inconclusive, more tests needed

The State Medical Examiner has conducted an autopsy on the unidentified body believed to be suspected I-75 shooter Joseph Couch.

In a press release, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. William Ralston stated that the office performed a soft tissue DNA test, but the results were inconclusive.

The next step is to conduct testing on DNA extracted from bone. The testing will begin tomorrow, and results could take 24-48 hours. The medical examiner’s officer will release the results once available.

Ralston said they were able to confirm that the autopsy revealed the cause of death to be a wound consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot to the head.

He added that they 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 return.

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