Kentucky State Police Conducts Murder
Investigation in Clay County
MANCHESTER, KY – (January 08, 2024) – On Saturday, January 06, 2024, at approximately 03:36 AM, Kentucky State Police, London Post was notified by Clay County 911 of a deceased male near Crawfish Road in Clay County.
The preliminary investigation reveals that Clay County 911 was notified of a deceased male. He was later identified as Rufus L. Smallwood Jr., 77, of Manchester, KY and had been reported missing to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office on January 5, 2024. Mr. Smallwood had visible injuries suggestive of foul play.
Mr. Smallwood was pronounced deceased by the Clay County Coroner. Mr. Smallwood has been taken to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.
As a result of the investigation, KSP has arrested a female John L. Couch, 44 of Manchester. She was charged with 1 count of Murder and 1 count of Robbery 1st Degree. John Couch has been lodged in the Clay County Detention Center.
The investigation is continuing by Post 11 Detective Logan Gay. He was assisted at the scene by Post 11 personnel, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Manchester Police Department, Clay County EMS, and Clay County Coroner.
