A 32-year-old Alabama father was fatally attacked with a hatchet at a Tucson bus stop, leaving his family and community in shock.
At a Glance
- Jacob Couch, 32, attacked with a hatchet at Tucson bus stop
- Died after nearly two weeks on life support
- Suspect Daniel Michael, 25, charged with first-degree murder
- Family mourns loss and seeks justice
Tragedy Strikes at Tucson Bus Stop
On April 5, Jacob Couch and his wife, Kristen, were waiting at a streetcar stop in downtown Tucson when a man approached them and suddenly struck Jacob in the neck and skull with a hatchet. The wounds were so severe that he was nearly decapitated.
Couch, a father from Arab, Alabama, was immediately rushed to Banner University Medical Center. Doctors placed him on life support, but his injuries were catastrophic. The couple had been traveling home from California, where they were processing the loss of their stillborn son. Their brief stopover in Tucson turned tragic in an instant.
Watch KOLD News 13’s report on the incident at Family reacts after Jacob Couch dies, charges upgraded for Daniel Michael.
Suspect Arrested and Charged
Police arrested 25-year-old Daniel Michael three days after the attack. He was found at his Tucson apartment, where authorities also recovered a hatchet and clothing matching witness descriptions. Michael was initially charged with aggravated assault, but after Jacob’s death on April 17, those charges were upgraded to first-degree murder.
According to KOLD News, surveillance footage showed Michael at the scene of the crime, and he later confessed to being intoxicated at the time, though he claimed he couldn’t remember the attack. He remains in custody on a $1 million bond, with a court hearing set for April 28.
Community Mourns and Seeks Justice
As Jacob lay in critical condition, a vigil was held outside the hospital in his honor. Just hours later, on April 17, he passed away. His wife, Kristen Couch, posted a heartbreaking tribute: “Please hold our sweet baby so tight until I can be with you again… I’ll love you forever and always.”
Jacob’s brother, Luke Couch, described him as a kind, humorous, and deeply loving person. In an interview with WAFF, Luke said, “This was so senseless. There was no need for his life to be cut short like this.”
The Couch family is preparing to return Jacob’s body to Alabama and has launched a verified GoFundMe to assist with travel, funeral, and medical costs. They’ve urged supporters to verify links due to fake fundraising efforts that have emerged online.
This devastating incident has left the community reeling and reignited concerns over public safety and mental health. As the court process unfolds, Jacob Couch’s family vows to see justice served for a life taken far too soon.
