Tucson, Arizona – Tragedy struck the Tucson community after a man succumbed to injuries from a horrific attack while sitting with his wife in a downtown area earlier in the month. The victim, identified as 32-year-old Jacob Couch, passed away after being on life support following the assault that occurred on April 5.
Jacob Couch’s ordeal ended tragically just hours following a community vigil held outside the Banner University Medical Center where he was being treated. His relatives shared that despite the medical team’s efforts, Couch’s heart ultimately failed.
The attack unfolded when Couch and his wife, Kristen, while en route to their home in Alabama from a trip in California, paused in Tucson to explore the locale. The couple was seated on a bench at the intersection of 6th Avenue and Broadway Boulevard when 25-year-old Daniel Michael, reportedly approached.
A confrontation ensued after a verbal exchange between Couch and Michael. According to Kristen, Michael violently struck Jacob in the neck with a weapon described as a machete-type knife, leading to severe injuries including a deep cut that severed an artery and reached his skull.
Authorities, using video surveillance from the area, managed to track down Michael several days after the incident. Upon searching Michael’s apartment, law enforcement found the alleged weapon and clothing described by witnesses. Initially denying involvement, Michael later admitted under questioning to not remembering the incident, attributing his lapse in memory to heavy drinking.
Following the attack, Michael was arrested and faced two counts of aggravated assault, held on a $1 million bond. With Couch’s death, charges against Michael are expected to be elevated to include murder.
This tragic event has deeply affected the local community, many of whom rallied around the Couch family during their ordeal. A vigil before Couch’s death saw numerous community members gather, expressing their horror and sadness over the incident. “It breaks my heart to hear something so demonic, so horrible to happen to people who were coming to visit, just on their way home,” shared vigil attendee Roseanna Gonzalez.
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign launched for Jacob Couch has raised over $65,000, reflecting the outpouring of support from both the community and well-wishers from afar who have been moved by the family’s plight.
This case continues to reverberate through Tucson, highlighting concerns about public safety and the effects of alcohol on aggressive behavior, sparking discussions on how to better safeguard communities from similar violent acts. The ongoing investigation and subsequent legal proceedings are being closely watched by a community eager for justice and reassurance.