Jacob Couch, a 32-year-old father, died days after being brutally attacked with a hatchet at a Tucson bus stop, leaving his grieving family demanding justice following the heinous unprovoked assault.
At a Glance
- Jacob Couch was nearly decapitated in an unprovoked hatchet attack while sitting with his wife at a Tucson bus stop on April 5
- The couple was traveling from California to Alabama after mourning the loss of their stillborn son
- Daniel Michael, 25, has been charged with first-degree murder following Couch’s death
- The attack occurred after a brief verbal exchange where Couch told the suspect to “mind his own business”
- Couch’s family, including his brother Luke, is seeking justice and refuting claims of self-defense
Brutal Attack During Cross-Country Journey
On April 5, 32-year-old Jacob Couch and his wife Kristen were sitting at a bus stop at the corner of 6th Avenue and Broadway Boulevard in downtown Tucson when their lives changed forever. The couple was traveling from California to their hometown in Alabama, having stopped in Tucson to explore the area after mourning the loss of their stillborn son.
What should have been a routine rest stop during their journey became the scene of a vicious, unprovoked attack that would claim Jacob’s life.
According to police reports, 25-year-old Daniel Michael approached the couple and told them to get up from where they were sitting. When Jacob responded by telling Michael to mind his own business, the situation quickly escalated. Despite Jacob’s wife indicating they would leave to avoid conflict, Michael allegedly retrieved a hatchet and attacked Jacob from behind with devastating force while he was bent over gathering his belongings.
Arizona suspect in bus stop hatchet attack charged with murder after victim dies https://t.co/uNvMnomiaO
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 20, 2025
Devastating Injuries and Aftermath
The attack was brutal and life-threatening from the moment it occurred. “The injury cut the artery in the back of his neck in half; it went so deep that it hit his skull,” said Erica Sims, describing the horrific wound that left Jacob critically injured and fighting for his life.
“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,” said Roseanna Gonzalez, reflecting the shock felt throughout the Tucson community.
Following the attack, Michael fled the scene but was identified through surveillance footage. Law enforcement arrested him three days later at his home, where they discovered a hatchet and clothes believed to have been worn during the attack. Initially, Michael denied involvement but later admitted to being heavily intoxicated and claimed not to remember the incident. He was initially charged with two counts of aggravated assault and held on a $1 million bond before charges were upgraded to first-degree murder following Couch’s death.
Family Seeks Justice
Luke Couch, Jacob’s brother, has become the family’s voice in their pursuit of justice, adamantly refuting any claims of self-defense put forward by the suspect’s legal team. “And they said that he was going to be trying to grasp straws, grasp anything. I mean, my brother was attacked from behind while he was bent over. That is not self-defense,” Luke stated firmly, dismissing the notion that the attack was anything but unprovoked murder.
“He’s got the biggest heart that I believe I’ve ever met. And I really do mean that. He was just a caring person. He loved his family. He was really big about his family,” Luke said, describing his brother’s character and the deep loss felt by those who knew him, including Jacob’s 15-year-old daughter.
The family’s grief has been compounded by the circumstances of the attack occurring while Jacob and his wife were already mourning the loss of their stillborn child. A GoFundMe campaign established for the Couch family has raised over $65,000 to help with expenses, showing the widespread support from both the local community and beyond for the family’s plight.
Community Impact and Call to Action
The senseless violence has sent shockwaves through the Tucson community, raising concerns about public safety and random acts of violence. The case highlights the unpredictable nature of public spaces and has prompted discussions about mental health resources, substance abuse, and the justice system’s handling of violent offenders. For the Couch family, their quest for justice serves not only to honor Jacob’s memory but also to prevent similar tragedies from befalling others.
As the legal proceedings against Daniel Michael move forward, the Couch family continues to advocate for swift and appropriate justice. Their story stands as a stark reminder of how quickly life can change and the devastating impact of senseless violence on families and communities.
