Everything we know as a family of four dies in alleged murder-suicide on son’s graduation day

A small community in Nebraska has been rocked after the “incredibly beautiful” Koch family was found dead in what seemed to be a triple murder-suicide.

It’s believed that Jeremy Koch killed his wife, Bailey and sons Hudson and Asher, one of whom was set to graduate from school that very day. It’s still very much a developing situation, but here’s everything we know so far.

All four members of the Koch family were pronounced dead at the scene

At around 9:45 am on Saturday, May 10, the Nebraska State Patrol were called to the Koch family home in Johnson Lake, Plum Creek Canyon, where Jeremy Koch, 42, Bailey Koch, 41, and their sons, Hudson, 18 and Asher, 16, were pronounced dead at the scene.

As per the report from the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP), Jeremy Koch allegedly “killed each of his sons” and his wife before turning the knife on himself. All four were found with “fatal knife wounds”, and the knife was found at the scene of the crime.

Jeremy Koch had a long history of mental health troubles

Jeremy and Bailey Koch were childhood sweethearts who had been married for 25 years before the tragic incident, with the former’s mental health struggles well documented on their Facebook page, Anchoring Hope for Mental Health, and a GoFundMe page called Jeremy’s Battle: Mental Health Support Needed.

Jeremy was first diagnosed with “severe depression” in 2009, according to Law and Crime. He survived several suicide attempts over the coming years, with one attempt by way of traffic accident leaving him “with a leg broken in four places, punctured lung, fractured pancreas, complete colon reconstruction, [and] brain bleed.”

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“When he awoke, I was in awe and relieved. He was destroyed his attempt hadn’t worked,” Bailey detailed in the post.

He was in and out of the hospital from March, first because of a suicide attempt and then once again when he refused to eat and drink. Just two days before the incident, Bailey tried to get help again and was going to try another hospital which offered alternative therapies.

The grandparents have spoken out

Bailey Koch’s parents, the grandparents of Hudson and Asher, have penned a lengthy statement on Facebook that is readable in its entirety here.

“Jeremy had been fighting mental illness for many, many years. His depression had turned into psychosis. It was not Jeremy who committed this horrific act. It was a sick mind,” Lane and Peggy Kugler wrote.

“Bailey, Jeremy and the boy’s faith was very strong. It really helped them through the worst of times. We find strength in our belief that heaven now has four new angels sitting at the right hand of God. They are together, and Jeremy’s sickness is gone.”

Towards the end of the huge statement, they noted the mental health “crisis” sweeping America, begging people to “contact every politician, every person of authority, every person you think of that could possibly help make a difference.”

The school addressed the tragedy in a post

One of the sons was set to graduate from Cozad Community Schools that very day,

“Cozad Schools was made aware of a tragic situation that will deeply affect our Cozad community. Our thoughts are with all those impacted during this incredibly difficult time,” the school said in a statement.

“Cozad Middle School will open at 12:30 today for grieving students and staff. The Cozad High School Graduation ceremony remains scheduled for 4:00 pm today. Seniors should report to the high school at 2:00 pm today. We appreciate the strength and support of our community as we come together in care, compassion and unity.”

In a follow-up post the following day, Cozad Community Schools relayed how the school would be open for anyone seeking mental health support in light of the recent news.

“In light of yesterday’s tragedy, we understand that some students may be experiencing some difficulties. The high school commons will be open for students this afternoon from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. We will have school staff and counselors available for support,” the school added. “We will also have support available for students and staff when school resumes on Monday.”

What’s next?

The Dawson County Attorney has ordered autopsies on all four family members, and the investigation is still in its earliest stages. More is expected to follow soon.

“The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Eustis Fire & Rescue, the Nebraska State Patrol, and the Dawson County Attorney. The Nebraska State Patrol is the lead agency in the homicide investigation. The Dawson County Attorney has ordered autopsies of all four residents,” the NSP said.

“The investigation remains ongoing. 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.”

If you or someone you know has been affected by this story, please speak to someone or contact Samaritans on 116 123 at any time. You can contact Anxiety UK on 03444 775 774, Mind on 0300 123 3393, and Calm (Campaign against living miserably, for men aged 15 to 35) on 0800 58 58 58. You matter.

Featured image credit: Bailey Koch