A Nebraska family is calling for more accessible mental health care after a husband, wife and their two teenage children were found dead inside their home Saturday morning from what authorities say is an apparent murder-suicide.
They were identified as Bailey Koch, 41; her husband, Jeremy Koch, 42; and their sons, Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16.
After a preliminary investigation, authorities said they believe Jeremy Koch killed his family before taking his own life, a Nebraska State Patrol news release states. All four had fatal stab wounds, and a knife was found at the scene, police said.
Lane and Peggy Kugler, the parents of Bailey, said Jeremy had struggled with his mental health for years and that his wife was trying to get him help.
“Jeremy had been fighting mental illness for many, many years. His depression had turned into psychosis. It was not Jeremy that committed this horrific act. It was a sick mind,” the Kuglers wrote on their joint Facebook page.
“Bailey, Jeremy and the boy’s faith was very strong. It really helped them through the worst of times. We find strength in our belief that heaven now has four new angels sitting at the right hand of God. They are together and Jeremy’s sickness is gone,” the post said.
The couple said Bailey and her children “lived in fear of the possibility of losing her husband and their father to mental illness for many years.” Bailey tried repeatedly to get him help and documented the journey on the Facebook page “Anchoring Hope for Mental Health.”
In a post Thursday, written days before the deaths, Bailey said her husband had just been released from a mental health hospital. She made another post later that day, saying he was struggling.
In a post Friday, a day before the deaths, Bailey shared that they had signed paperwork so Jeremy could begin mental health treatment.
“We feel heard, seen, and supported. We feel confident TMS in Kearney at Serene Mental Health is where we are being led,” she wrote, sharing photos from the facility.
The Kuglers wrote that the mental health care industry tries to “so hard to help people,” but overall, the “country’s mental health care is a disaster.”
“Our daughter and her family were killed by a diseased mind with a knife,” they wrote. “Far too many diseased minds have nowhere to go. Yes, there is some help that can be tapped but, not near enough. …This country is in crisis because there is far, far too little help available to tackle the mental illness crisis.”
The deaths occurred hours before the oldest son’s high school graduation.
“Cozad Schools was made aware of a tragic situation that will deeply affect our Cozad community. Our thoughts are with all those impacted during this incredibly difficult time,” Cozad Community Schools said in a Facebook post Saturday afternoon. “We appreciate the strength and support of our community as we come together in care, compassion and unity.”
Nebraska State Patrol said the investigation into the deaths is ongoing.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988, or go to 988lifeline.org, to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
