In a tragic incident in Kentucky, a mother and her teenage daughter were found dead in their home, in what authorities are treating as a double homicide. The suspect, 44-year-old Joshua Cottrell, has been apprehended and charged with two counts of murder. The victims have been identified as 37-year-old Kayla Blake and her 13-year-old daughter, Kennedi McWhorter. Cottrell is also facing charges of tampering with physical evidence.
The grim discovery was made by a coworker of Blake’s who visited their South Spring Street residence in Morehead, Kentucky, after Blake failed to show up for work. The coworker alerted the authorities, who upon arrival found two deceased individuals. The cause of death has not been disclosed, but both Blake and her daughter were pronounced dead at the scene.
Cottrell, the prime suspect in the case, was not in Morehead or its immediate surroundings when the bodies were discovered. He was located in a hospital in Paducah, Kentucky, over 300 miles west of Morehead. Upon his release from the hospital around 2 p.m., Cottrell was arrested and taken into custody at the McCracken County Jail.
The nature of Cottrell’s injuries, if any, and their potential connection to the alleged double murder remains unclear. Authorities have also not disclosed any relationship between Cottrell and the victims.
Residents of the quiet neighborhood expressed shock and grief over the tragic incident. Robert Suarez III, a neighbor, described the victims as a “really great family.” He recalled his daughter playing softball with Kennedi McWhorter and described Blake as a “really, really sweet lady.”
The investigation into the double homicide is ongoing, with multiple agencies involved. Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.