A tragic incident in Nebraska has left a family of four dead in what police believe was a murder-suicide.
On Saturday, May 10, the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home near Johnson Lake in Plum Creek Canyon #1 around 9:45 a.m. When officers arrived, they found four family members who had all died from fatal knife wounds, according to a statement from the Nebraska State Patrol.
Investigators say 42-year-old Jeremy Koch is believed to have killed his wife, 41-year-old Bailey Koch, and their two sons, Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16, before taking his own life. A knife was found at the scene.
The Nebraska State Patrol is now leading the investigation, which is still ongoing. The Dawson County Attorney has ordered autopsies for all four victims.
Just months before the tragedy, Bailey Koch revealed that she had once woken up to find her husband standing over her with a knife. She convinced him to seek help at a mental health facility.
However, the treatments “didn’t work,” Bailey, 41, wrote in a GoFundMe campaign earlier this month, according to News Channel Nebraska. She launched the fundraiser in hopes of getting more support for her husband, Jeremy, 42, who she said was struggling with severe depression.
Just days before the tragedy, Bailey had posted an emotional plea online, asking for help for Jeremy. She shared that he had undergone electroconvulsive therapy at a local hospital and had survived several suicide attempts since being diagnosed with depression in 2009.
“I have no pride left,” Bailey reportedly wrote on the GoFundMe page, which has been taken down per PEOPLE. “Mental illness is taking my husband from me, and I’m begging you to open your eyes and see the reality that is this society’s mental health crisis.”
According to News Channel Nebraska, Bailey shared on May 8 that Jeremy had been released from inpatient care at a local hospital. She seemed happy that he would be home in time for their oldest son Hudson’s high school graduation, which was scheduled for Saturday.
But that same morning, police were called to the family’s home, where they found Bailey and her two sons had been fatally stabbed.
Bailey had also written on GoFundMe that after returning home, Jeremy experienced another setback after beginning a new medication.
According to information shared on Bailey’s Facebook page, she worked as a special education teacher at Holdrege Public Schools. In a statement, the school district said:
“Our Holdrege school community is grieving after a tragic event that has deeply affected us all. Our hearts are with everyone impacted.
Holdrege Middle School will be open today from 3:00–5:00 p.m. for students and staff who wish to gather, grieve, and support one another.
We’re grateful for the strength and compassion of our community during this difficult time.”
