Nebraska
Nebraska dad fatally stabs wife, 2 kids and himself in apparent murder-suicide hours before son’s high school graduation
A Nebraska father stabbed his entire family to death and then turned the knife on himself the same day as his oldest son’s high school graduation, authorities said – and just three days after he was released from a mental health hospital.
Jeremy Koch, 42, killed his 41-year-old wife, Bailey, and sons Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16, in a sickening stabbing spree Saturday before taking his own life in a rural part of Dawson County, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.
The gruesome scene of the apparent murder-suicide was discovered by Bailey’s parents around 9:45 a.m. All four family members suffered from fatal knife wounds, police said.
“I found our two grandsons, Hudson 18, and Asher 16, and our daughter Bailey, and our son-in-law Jeremy, dead laying in their beds,” Lane and Peggy Kugler, the father and mother of Bailey and grandparents of the two boys, said in a Facebook post, according to News Channel Nebraska.
“What I saw will haunt me the rest of my life.”
The tragedy comes amid Jeremy’s longtime struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts, which was chronicled by Bailey, a teacher, on a dedicated Facebook page.
She wrote on the “Anchoring Hope for Mental Health” page Wednesday that Jeremy had wrapped up a five-day stint receiving mental health care at a hospital with a photo of the couple smiling in a car.
“What a difference five days, some hydration and nutrition, med adjustments, therapies, and a safety plan can make!!!” Bailey Koch eerily wrote.
“Thank you for praying and for your unwavering support as I take Hottie Hubby HOME in time for our son’s high school graduation! We still need lots of prayers as we try and carry on with life and find our new ‘normal.’”
Still, in the days leading up to the suspected murder-suicide, the father of two continued to struggle, according to his wife’s recent social media posts.
Hudson was set to receive his diploma at Cozad High School’s graduation — which went on without the teen Saturday afternoon, just hours after the horrific slaughter.
“Cozad Schools was made aware of a tragic situation that will deeply affect our Cozad community,” the school district wrote. “Our thoughts are with all those impacted during this incredibly difficult time.”
Bailey Koch was remembered as a “passionate educator, caring colleague and bright presence in the school community,” by Holdrege Public Schools, where she worked, according to NTV.
Jeremy and Bailey were high school sweethearts and together for at least 25 years, according to the Facebook page.
In a since-deleted GoFundMe page, Bailey said her husband this month had survived numerous suicide attempts that included a car crash that nearly killed him.
“When he awoke,” she wrote, according to News Channel Nebraska, “he was destroyed his attempt hadn’t worked.”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
Nebraska
Tour de Nebraska bicycle ride begins five-day route in Hartington
HARTINGTON, Neb. (KTIV) – The 38th annual Tour de Nebraska bicycle ride started Wednesday morning, June 24, sending more than 200 cyclists from across 21 states on a five-day trip that begins and ends in Hartington.
Day 1 consisted of a 50-mile ride from Hartington to Vermillion, South Dakota. Tour Director Charlie Schilling said the weather was “absolutely gorgeous” as riders took in parts of Nebraska, South Dakota and Iowa from their bikes.
Ray Hanley, visiting from Little Rock, Arkansas, said he rides “three, four days a week” and has ridden in 30 countries. Randy and Therese Kiser said they have biked in several foreign countries — including Italy, Portugal, Croatia and Ireland — and decided to ride in Nebraska this year.
Schilling said the tour relies on community partners and rest-stop towns along the route to support riders and help create a good experience. Riders also pointed to support along the way, including food, access to bike mechanics and hospitality.
What’s next on the route
On Day 2, riders are scheduled for a 54-mile loop through Elk Point, South Dakota, and Akron, Iowa, before returning to Vermillion. Schilling said some cyclists plan to ride a “century,” or 100 miles, on Day 2.
From Vermillion, the route continues to Crofton, Nebraska, before the ride returns to Hartington for the finish.
Schilling asked drivers to be courteous around cyclists and help keep everyone safe.
Local rider finishes Day 1 in four hours
KTIV also spoke with Gabe Broz, a Nebraska rider who finished Day 1 in four hours. Broz said gummy worms and gummy bears are his “secret trick” along the trail.
Broz said the hills were not too bad, but the wind was “kind of a killer” for him.
Day 2 for riders is scheduled to include Elk Point, South Dakota; Akron, Iowa; and Spink, South Dakota, before returning to Vermillion.
Want to get the latest news and weather from Siouxland’s News Source? Follow these links to download our KTIV News app and our First Alert Weather app.
Copyright 2026 KTIV. All rights reserved.
Nebraska
UNMC teams with Central Nebraska Health Departments to assess needs, test water after March wildfires
Nebraska
$22,000 2by2 winning ticket sold in Grand Island
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) – A Grand Island lottery player is holding a winning ticket worth $22,000, according to the Nebraska Lottery.
Officials said one ticket purchased for the Monday, June 22 2by2 drawing matched all four winning numbers to claim the game’s top prize.
The Nebraska Lottery confirmed the ticket was sold at Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh, 118 Wilmar Ave. in Grand Island.
The winning numbers for the June 22 drawing were Red 10 and 18, and White 17 and 23.
Nebraska Lottery officials noted winning lottery tickets expire 180 days after the drawing, and prizes of $20,000 or more must be claimed in person at Nebraska Lottery headquarters in Lincoln. More information on claiming prizes is available at nelottery.com or by calling 800-587-5200.
Click here to subscribe to our KSNB Local4 daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.
Copyright 2026 KSNB. All rights reserved.
-
Florida3 minutes agoFlorida man accused of supplying fentanyl that killed woman in Hillsborough County
-
Georgia6 minutes agoMiami lands elite Georgia duo: OL Kweli Fielder and QB CJ Cypher commit to the Hurricanes
-
Hawaii11 minutes agoRed Lobster exits Hawaii with closure of Waikiki location | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
-
Idaho18 minutes agoLarge police presence near Taco Bell in Blackfoot – East Idaho News
-
Illinois21 minutes agoIllinois could face new costs because of high error rate in SNAP food aid
-
Indiana26 minutes ago
Braden Smith to play for hometown Indiana Pacers after NBA draft selection, trade
-
Iowa33 minutes agoIowa one of nine states that won’t have to match portion of federal SNAP benefits
-
Kansas36 minutes agoBody believed to be Kansas City highway shooting suspect found in burned home’s basement by family: police
