Man Accused of Killing a Mother and Her 13-Year-Old Daughter in Apparent Double Murder Inside Their Home

A Kentucky man has been charged with two counts of murder after allegedly killing a mother and her 13-year-old daughter inside their home.

According to WKYT and the Lexington Herald-Leader, police in Morehead — about 60 miles from Lexington — responded to the home of 37-year-old Kayla Blake and her daughter, Kennedi McWhorter, on Friday, Sept. 19. A 911 call had been placed requesting a welfare check after Kayla did not show up for work.

When investigators arrived around 10:15 a.m. local time, they discovered the bodies of both mother and daughter inside the residence.

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) identified 44-year-old Joshua W. Cottrell as the suspect shortly after. Local outlets reported that police found Cottrell at a nearby hospital around 2 p.m. and arrested him after he received medical treatment.

A criminal complaint obtained by WKYT alleges that Cottrell stabbed Kayla and Kennedi and moved their bodies. Investigators noted that he was found with blood on his clothing.

Authorities have not disclosed a motive, but friends of Kayla told KSP that she and Cottrell were in a relationship. According to WKYT, Kayla had told friends that “things were good, and they were happy.”

The complaint also notes that Cottrell has a criminal history. He was convicted of second-degree manslaughter for the death of 36-year-old Richie Phillips when he was 21. In that case, LEX 18 reported that Cottrell was initially charged with murder, but the charges were reduced after he claimed the victim made unwanted sexual advances toward him. At the time, Cottrell also faced charges including theft by unlawful taking and tampering with physical evidence.

Following the deaths of Kayla and Kennedi, friends and family remembered them as a close-knit family who cared deeply for one another and their community.

Kayla’s colleagues at the Addiction Recovery Institute of America (ARIA) described her as “a wonderful person” who was passionate about helping patients recovering from addiction.

“For her, it wasn’t really a job. She wanted to help people,” said Jami Coots, women’s facility director at ARIA, to LEX 18. “She went above and beyond to do whatever she could in her off time. Even whenever she wasn’t on the clock, like if we needed help with something, you knew you could call Kayla for help.”

Colleague Hannah Scott also remembered Kayla as a devoted mother to Kennedi and her son, Oliver.

“She loved Kennedi,” Scott told LEX 18. “She loved both her kids very, very much. She always went above and beyond to help them. It was like I always wanted to be a mom like she was.”

Kennedi was remembered in her obituary as a passionate athlete and softball player, a diligent student, and an active member of her local church.

“Her love for softball shone through in her performances on both her school and travel teams, where she thrived on the competition and cherished the friendships she built with her teammates,” the obituary states. “A devoted member of Better Life Church in Morehead, Kennedi was actively involved in the church youth group, where her vibrant spirit and kindness touched the hearts of many. She had a remarkable ability to uplift those around her, and her faith was a guiding force in her life.”

Rowan County Schools said staff and counselors were available to students in need and later held a day of remembrance for Kennedi on Sept. 22.

“Kennedi touched the lives of many, and this is a way for us to come together as a school community to celebrate her memory and show support for her family, friends, and everyone who loved her,” the school stated.

Cottrell is facing one count of murder and one count of tampering with physical evidence. He is being held at the McCracken County Jail on a $1 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, Sept. 29.