TRAGICALLY, A FAMILY OF FOUR DIES IN A SUSPECTED MURDER-SUICIDE ON THE DAY OF THE SON'S GRADUATION.
Nebraska State Patrol said a man is believed to have killed his wife and two sons before taking his own life
Warning: This article contains discussion of violence and suicide, which some readers may find distressing.
The Nebraska State Patrol was called to a residence in Johnson Lake, Plum Creek Canyon, on May 10 at approximately 9.45 a.m. Four people were discovered dead when they arrived; they were eventually identified as Jeremy Koch, 42, Bailey Koch, 41, and their sons, Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16. According to a Nebraska State Patrol announcement, Jeremy allegedly killed his wife and sons before killing himself, according to the findings of an initial inquiry. Facebook page details parents Jeremy and Bailey, having established a community called Anchoring Hope for Mental Health - the high school sweethearts of over 25 years, having been open about suicide publicly to help show others they're 'not alone,' alongside trying to raise awareness of the mental health crisis.
According to reports, the knife was found at the scene, and all four family members had fatal knife wounds. They added, one of the boys was scheduled to graduate from Cozad Community Schools, and the school addressed the "tragic situation" on Facebook. According to a statement, "Our Cozad community will be greatly impacted by a tragic incident that was brought to the attention of Cozad Schools. We are thinking of everyone affected during this really trying time.
"Cozad Middle School will reopen for grieving staff and students at 12:30 today. Today at 4:00 pm, the Cozad High School graduation ceremony is still planned. At 2:00 pm today, seniors are expected to report to the high school. "We appreciate the strength and support of our community as we come together in care, compassion and unity."
A follow-up post added: "We recognise that some kids might be having some challenges in the wake of yesterday's tragedy. Students can use the high school commons this afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00. Counsellors and school personnel will be on hand to offer assistance. "When classes start on Monday, we will also have staff and student support available." All four family members' autopsies have been requested by the Dawson County Attorney, and the inquiry is still underway.
The inquiry is being led by the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Dawson County Attorney, Eustis Fire & Rescue, and the Dawson County Sheriff's Office. Nebraska State Patrol's release resolves: "The Nebraska State Patrol, the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Eustis Fire & Rescue, and the Dawson County Attorney extend condolences to all, across multiple communities, who will be affected by this incident."
