ROWAN COUNTY, Ky. – Authorities have released new details about the tragic murders of Kayla Blake and her daughter, Kennedi McWhorter, whose lives were cut short last week.
According to a criminal complaint, 40-year-old Joshua Cottrell has been charged in connection with their deaths. He is accused of fatally stabbing both Blake and McWhorter. State troopers discovered the victims’ bodies Friday morning inside their residence. The complaint further alleges that Cottrell attempted to move their remains.
Investigators later located Cottrell at a hospital in Paducah, where he was found with blood on his clothing. He was taken into custody and is currently being held at the McCracken County Jail under a $1 million bond. Court records show he was arraigned Tuesday morning at 9 a.m.
Kentucky State Police have not disclosed a motive or further details about the circumstances surrounding the killings. However, friends of Kayla Blake reported she had been in a relationship with Cottrell, and despite her assurances that “things were good, and they were happy,” the tragedy unfolded.
This is not the first time Cottrell has faced a homicide charge. In 2003, he confessed to the murder of Richie Phillips, concealing the victim’s body in a suitcase. He served a 20-year sentence and was released under Mandatory Reentry Supervision in March 2019, which ended in October of that year.
The investigation into the deaths of Kayla Blake and Kennedi McWhorter remains ongoing.
Leave a Reply