Crime Solvers Central
CSC
263 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
Paulette Couch death by force case profile photo

Paulette Couch

Case from Dayton, OH dated May 24, 1975

Victim Details

Paulette A. Couch

Female

Dayton

OH

1975-05-24

25

Paulette

Couch

07/07/2026

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Paulette A. Couch, a 25-year-old woman from Dayton, Ohio, tragically lost her life on May 24, 1975. She was one of the victims of a violent spree killing carried out by Russell Lee Smith, who also took his own life on the same day. Smith killed two people, including Couch, and wounded nine others during his rampage. The incident began when Smith and his girlfriend, Joan Marie Gatewood, drove to a local motorcycle club. Smith confronted Joseph Pickett, whom he suspected of dating Gatewood, and a ...
MEMBER ACCESS

Continue reading the complete case summary

Unlock the full case narrative for Paulette Couch, all available source links, additional videos, and member discussions.

Unlock Full Case Access — $3.97/month
Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in

Links to Additional Sources (2)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Russell Lee Smith - Wikipedia
  • Ex?Convict Slays 2 Women

    • Latest News

    View All

    Forum Posts (3)

    I've been following the case of Paulette A. Couch and the tragic events in Dayton on May 24, 1975, a... ...Read More
    12/24/2024
    Hello everyone,
    I just wanted to share some thoughts about the courage shown by the wounded durin... ...Read More
    10/27/2024
    Does anyone else find the police response to this case puzzling? I've been following the tragic even... ...Read More
    01/11/2024
    MEMBER ACCESS

    Join the discussion for Paulette Couch

    Read full forum posts and contribute to this case discussion.

    Unlock forum access — $3.97/month
    Already a member? Log in

    Other Cases from Dayton, Ohio

    Tracy Buck death by force case in Dayton, OH

    Tracy Buck

    Death: Jan 15, 1973
    On January 15, 1973, six-year-old Tracy Buck, along with her mother Gloria Buck and her brother Scot o ...Read More
    Tammy Cox death by force case in Dayton, OH

    Tammy Cox

    Death: Aug 10, 2016
    Tammy Cox, a 53-year-old woman from Dayton, OH, tragically lost her life on August 10, 2016. She was a ...Read More
    Lillie Oglesby death by force case in Dayton, OH

    Lillie Oglesby

    Death: May 26, 2004
    On May 26, 2004, 69-year-old Lillie Oglesby was found brutally murdered in her home at 4612 Genesee e ...Read More
    Taylor McKee death by force case in Dayton, OH

    Taylor McKee

    Death: Feb 03, 2017
    Taylor L. McKee, a 20-year-old woman from Union, Ohio, tragically passed away on February 3, 2017, i ...Read More
    Ruth Albert death by force case in Dayton, OH

    Ruth Albert

    Death: Jan 05, 1990
    Ruth Albert, a Black female, was murdered on January 5, 1990, in Dayton, Ohio. She was found decease s ...Read More
    Anna Hliaras death by force case in Dayton, OH

    Anna Hliaras

    Death: Aug 09, 1981
    On August 9, 1981, Anna Hliaras, a 57-year-old woman from Dayton, Ohio, was found murdered at her ho h ...Read More
    Yalonda Williams death by force case in Dayton, OH

    Yalonda Williams

    Death: Aug 26, 1991
    On August 26, 1991, Yalonda Williams, known by her alias "Kat," was found fatally shot at 1409 West t ...Read More