Kentucky State Police Investigate Double Homicide in Rowan County, Suspect Arrested in McCracken County

MOREHEAD, Ky. (Sept. 19, 2025) – Today, The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 1 (Mayfield) and Post 8 (Morehead) troopers and detectives have opened an investigation into a double homicide that occurred in Rowan County.  

Shortly after 10:15 a.m. EDT,  the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) responded to a welfare check at a residence on South Spring Street in Morehead. Upon arrival, deputies discovered two victims who were deceased in the residence and requested KSP Post 8 to investigate. 

The initial investigation by KSP Post 8 detectives determined Joshua W. Cottrell, 44 years old of Morehead, Ky., is the suspect in the double homicide of Kayla D. Blake, 37 years old and her 13 year old daughter Kennedi McWhorter, both of Morehead, Ky. 

KSP Post 1 Mayfield troopers and local law enforcement agencies located Mr. Cottrell at a Paducah area hospital at 2:00 p.m. EDT. He was treated, released and charged with two counts of Murder and one count of Tampering with Physical Evidence. He is lodged at the McCracken County Jail. 

The investigation remains ongoing. Additional details will be released as they become available. KSP would like to thank the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office and Paducah Police Department for their assistance. 

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