Gouker arrested in Louisville after mistaken Alabama release
LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - A Louisville man who authorities said was mistakenly released from an Alabama jail has been arrested in the Metro. Joshua Gouker was found by Louisville Metro Police Thursday morning on Springdale Drive, not far from his home.
Gouker, who was arrested on probation and parole violations, along with a fugitive warrant, was booked at Metro Corrections just after 9 a.m. A United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force and LMPD had been searching for him after they learned he was missing.
Early this summer, Gouker made headlines after the disappearance and death of his stepson, 14-year-old Trey Zwicker. After Zwicker's death, Gouker, along with his 15-year-old son, Josh Young, disappeared.
In mid-June, the two were found in Alabama and were arrested on unrelated charges. Young is charged with Zwicker's murder. Authorities in Alabama dropped kidnapping and gun charges against Gouker and he was released from jail on September 28. Originally, Alabama police said he was released to Indiana for a warrant he had there. But Kentucky Probation and Parole officials said that Alabama police simply set him free.
We spoke to a man who identified himself as a cousin of Trey Zwicker's and said he heard the news Thursday morning.
"It was kind of mixed emotions," said Ross Phelps. "I was kind of glad to hear he got locked up, but I was kind of hoping he'd stay on the streets long enough to where he could've got the same thing done to him that he done to Trey."
Phelps said the fact that Gouker was behind bars helped somewhat.
"I guess in some ways it does, just for the simple fact we know he's not on the streets. That in itself is a blessing," Phelps said. "But as far as we're concerned, justice still hasn't been served. Nobody's been convicted of murder yet, and it's still all up in the air."
We did speak to Gouker's ex-wife. She declined to speak on camera, but said she is relieved that Gouker is behind bars. She also praised the work of U.S. Marshals and Metro detectives.
Gouker is due in court Friday morning.
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