TUCSON, Ariz. — A tragic altercation in downtown Tucson has ended in death for a man assaulted earlier this month, authorities confirmed. Jacob Couch, 32, succumbed to injuries sustained in the April 5 attack late on Thursday, not long after a vigil held in his honor.
Jacob and his wife, Kristen Couch, were visiting Tucson from Alabama, pausing their journey home from a vacation. The incident occurred as the couple sat outside at the intersection of 6th Avenue and Broadway Boulevard. According to police reports, Daniel Michael, 25, approached the couple, initiating a confrontation that escalated rapidly leading to the fatal attack.
Law enforcement officials said Michael allegedly wielded a machete-type knife, striking Jacob Couch in the neck. The attack severed an artery and reached as deep as his skull, Michael’s sister-in-law Erica Sims described the wound as devastating.
The violence unfolded quickly, and Jacob Couch was rushed to Banner University Medical Center where he was placed on life support until his passing. His death followed just hours after community members gathered outside the hospital to hold a vigil, showing solidarity with the family during their unimaginable ordeal.
Investigations into the incident intensified shortly after the attack, with police perusing video surveillance that captured Michael walking away from the scene. His calm demeanor post-assault struck investigators who later located him at his residence. A subsequent search of Michael’s apartment yielded a hatchet suspected in the assault and clothing matching descriptions from the day of the incident.
Upon capture, Michael initially denied any involvement but later conceded to having been drinking heavily prior to the altercation, and claimed he had little recollection of the event. Despite this, earlier footage allowed him to recognize himself at the scene and confirm his presence during the incident.
Charged with two counts of aggravated assault, Michael’s legal troubles are now poised to escalate following Jacob Couch’s death, with prosecutors indicating a murder charge is forthcoming. The bond set for Michael stands at $1 million, reflecting the gravity of the accusations against him.
The brutality of the act shocked the Tucson community, compelling many residents to attend the vigil and voice their support. Roseanna Gonzalez, a vigil attendee, expressed her dismay at the violence visited upon visitors to their city, describing the attack as “demonic” and “horrible.”
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign established for Jacob Couch has garnered substantial support, raising over $65,000 to date. The funds are intended to support his family in the aftermath of the incident and cover any incidental expenses incurred during this challenging time.
The loss of Jacob Couch has resonated deeply within the community, highlighting concerns over public safety and the impact of unexpected violence on both residents and visitors alike. As Tucson grapples with this tragic event, the legal proceedings against Daniel Michael promise to unfold under intense public scrutiny, drawing continued attention to issues of security, justice, and community resilience in the face of such senseless acts of violence.