When The Justice System Fails

In this episode we discuss our brief encounter with Joshua Cottrell. We had the opportunity to pray with Josh Cottrell just weeks before he committed a double murder of Kayla Blake, 37, and her 13-year-old daughter Kennedi McWhorter dead in their Morehead, Kentucky home

Based on publicly reported court and news records, Joshua Cottrell is a Kentucky man whose criminal history includes two separate homicide cases spanning more than 20 years.

2003–2005 Homicide Case

Cottrell was charged in the death of 36-year-old Richie Phillips in Hardin County, Kentucky.

He admitted killing Phillips but claimed self-defense, alleging Phillips made unwanted sexual advances and a fight followed.

A jury convicted him of second-degree manslaughter rather than murder.

He was also convicted of theft and tampering with physical evidence.

He received a 20-year prison sentence but was reportedly paroled after approximately 2½ years.

2025 Rowan County Double Murder Case

In September 2025, authorities found Kayla Blake, 37, and her 13-year-old daughter Kennedi McWhorter dead in their Morehead, Kentucky home after a welfare check.

Investigators alleged that Cottrell stabbed both victims and moved their bodies, leading to charges of two counts of murder and tampering with physical evidence.

Reports indicated he was located at a hospital in the Paducah area and was found with blood on his clothing.