A devastating tragedy has shaken Morehead, Kentucky, after 37-year-old Kayla Blake and her 13-year-old daughter, Kennedi McWhorter, were found dead in their home Friday morning. Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with their killings.

Deputies with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched around 10:15 a.m. to conduct a welfare check at a residence on South Spring Street. Inside, they discovered the bodies of Blake and her daughter.

The Kentucky State Police quickly joined the investigation and identified 44-year-old Joshua W. Cottrell, of Morehead, as a suspect. Later that afternoon, Cottrell was located at a hospital in McCracken County, nearly five hours west of the city. After receiving medical attention, he was taken into custody without incident.

Cottrell has been charged with two counts of murder and one count of tampering with physical evidence. He remains in custody as detectives gather evidence and interview witnesses.

The loss of Kayla and Kennedi has left their family, neighbors, and the wider Morehead community reeling. Kennedi, a student remembered for her kindness and bright smile, had just begun her teenage years. Kayla was known as a loving mother and caring presence in the community.

“This is the kind of tragedy that rocks not only the family but the entire community,” one resident said. “We are all heartbroken.”

Authorities have not released a motive or confirmed any relationship between Cottrell and the victims. The investigation remains ongoing.