On May 10, in Dawson County, Nebraska, Jeremy Koch, 42, is believed to have fatally stabbed his wife, Bailey, 41, and their sons, Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16, before taking his own life. The tragedy occurred on the day of Hudson’s high school graduation.
The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office discovered the four bodies and a knife at the scene. Superintendent Dan Endorf addressed the loss during the Cozad graduation ceremony, calling the moment “bittersweet.”
Bailey’s parents shared their heartbreak and frustration over the state of mental health care in the U.S. Koch reportedly struggled with mental illness since 2009, including multiple suicide attempts. Bailey had publicly documented their journey, hoping to reduce stigma and raise awareness.
She revealed that Koch’s condition worsened in 2024 and described a terrifying incident in March when he stood over her with a knife. The Nebraska State Patrol continues to investigate the case. Autopsies have been ordered.