Family's tragic end: Four found dead in apparent murder on son’s graduation day
A Nebraska family, including a father and his two sons, was discovered dead in a suspected murder-suicide on May 10, with the tragic discovery made shortly after the son's high school graduation.
A Nebraska community has been rocked by tragedy after a family of four was discovered dead in an apparent murder-suicide on May 10. According to authorities, the bodies of the parents and their two sons were found Saturday after a police response to a residence in Johnson Lake near Plum Creek Canyon. The family members suffered apparent stab wounds.
According to the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP), the suspected killer, 42-year-old Jeremy Koch, allegedly killed his two sons aged 18 and 16 and his wife Bailey, before killing himself. The horrific discovery was made a few hours after the family's oldest son graduated from high school.
Family's tragic event shake Nebraska community
On Saturday, May 10, the Dawson County Sheriff's Office received a call regarding residents of Johnson Lake, Plum Creek Canyon #1 at 9:45 a.m. on March 24, 2025. Once the law enforcement arrived at the residence, they discovered four family members dead from knife wounds, according to a news release from the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) in 2023.
Upon the conclusion of the preliminary investigation, police believe Jeremy Koch, 42 killed his wife, Bailey, 41 two sons, Hudson, 18 and Asher, 16, before committing suicide. Police recovered one knife from the scene. The NSP has since opened a homicide investigation, which is ongoing, and the Dawson County Attorney ordered the autopsies of the four victims.
According to an official statement, the NSP, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Eustis Fire & Rescue and Dawson County Attorney issued condolences to the many communities that have been impacted by this tragic event.
Jeremy Koch and his family. Photo: Bailey Koch/People
Nebraska community send their condolences to the family
Local reports and her Facebook page indicate that Bailey Koch was a special education teacher at Holdrege Public Schools. The district posted a condolence message saying, "Our hearts are with everyone that is impacted by this tragic event that has impacted us all." That same day, a time of support was held for the students and staff at Holdrege Middle School.
The Cozad Community Schools, which the two boys attended high school, also sent condolences on Facebook, offering support to students and staff during this time.
While the investigation into the homicide investigation continues, it was reported Bailey recently initiated a GoFundMe campaign titled "Jeremy's Battle: Mental Health Support Needed" prior to her death. In the campaign, she explained that Jeremy had struggled with depression for years, with the recent decline of Jeremy's mental health worsening in 2024.
She also described a particularly disturbing situation in which Jeremy had stood next to her with a knife in March, but later agreed to get help with treatment, including electroconvulsive therapy.
On May 8, Bailey posted an update on Facebook to her followers. She indicated that her husband had gotten into a mental health hospital and not be able to attend their son's high school graduation, with some hope. "Our boys are doing well living their lives, and we are incredibly thankful," she posted. "Please just pray Jeremy is able to somehow be with us Saturday for our oldest son's high school graduation."
In the aftermath of the disaster that took place on graduation day, there have been prayers and condolences coming in from the community. Dr. Dan Endorf, superintendent of Cozad High School, recognized all the emotions present at the graduation ceremonies and urged the graduates to "hug your loved ones."
