Nebraska Family Found Dead in Tragic Murder Suicide Days Before Teen's Graduation

A quiet lakeside neighborhood in Nebraska was shaken by heartbreak over the weekend after a family of four was found dead in what investigators are calling a murder-suicide.

On the morning of Saturday, May 10, deputies from the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office were called to a home near Johnson Lake. Inside, they made a devastating discovery — all four family members had died from knife wounds.

**Jeremy Koch and his family.** Credit: Bailey Koch/Facebook

According to the Nebraska State Patrol, the victims included 41-year-old Bailey Koch, her husband Jeremy, 42, and their two sons, Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16. Authorities believe Jeremy took the lives of his wife and children before turning the knife on himself. A weapon was recovered at the scene.

Investigators say the case is still under review, and autopsies have been ordered. As the community tries to come to terms with the tragedy, many are learning about the struggles the Koch family faced behind closed doors.

Bailey, a special education teacher at Holdrege Public Schools, had recently spoken publicly about her husband’s long battle with depression. A now-deleted GoFundMe titled “Jeremy’s Battle: Mental Health Support Needed” described how his condition had worsened in 2024. She revealed a frightening moment in March when she woke up to Jeremy standing over her with a knife — but managed to get him into treatment.

Just two days before the tragedy, Bailey posted a hopeful message on Facebook, saying Jeremy had been accepted into a mental health facility and that their family was praying he’d be well enough to attend Hudson’s graduation that weekend.

“Our boys are doing well living their lives, and for that, we are thankful,” she wrote.

Hudson and Asher attended Cozad High School, which held its graduation ceremony later that day. The school shared the commencement online and addressed the tragedy directly during the event. “The bittersweet emotions felt by the senior class on their graduation day… cannot be concealed in this moment,” said superintendent Dr. Dan Endorf, encouraging everyone to hold their loved ones close.

Local schools, including Bailey’s workplace and the boys’ high school, opened their doors to grieving students and staff. Community members have since flooded social media with condolences, memories, and prayers.

What was supposed to be a weekend of celebration became one of mourning — a painful reminder of how important mental health support and community care can be.