Death certificates reveal gruesome nature of Nelson Co. mother, daughter murders

BARDSTOWN, KY (WAVE) - Graphic details of how a Nelson County mother and her teenage daughter were killed inside their home in April are now public. The murders of Kathy and Samantha Netherland remain unsolved.

According to death certificates obtained by WAVE 3 News, 48-year-old Kathy Netherland was shot multiple times. Her 16-year-old daughter Samantha was beaten in the head.  Both of them had cuts to their necks.

The fact that they were killed so heinously, makes Kentucky State Police wonder if it was personal.

"That's not something we've ruled out either, that's a good possibility," said KSP Trooper Jeff Gregory.

[PREVIOUS STORY: Vigil held for Nelson County murder victims as investigation goes on]

Police said the Netherlands were murdered around 8 p.m. on the evening of Monday, April 21 at their home in Nelson County's Botland community. Their bodies were discovered by a family member.

Samantha Netherland was a sophomore at Bardstown High School. Kathy Netherland taught special education at Bardstown Elementary School.

Trooper Gregory says they have several detectives working the case following leads. Police haven't ruled out any suspects as of now but, they are leaning towards the theory that multiple people may have been involved.

[PREVIOUS STORY: Black Chevy Impala is suspect vehicle in Nelson Co. murders, says KSP]

Kentucky State Police believe the person or persons inside a black Chevrolet Impala seen traveling north on U.S. 150 from Botland into Bardstown on the night of the murders are responsible for the crimes. KSP investigators are asking for the public's help identifying the occupants of the vehicle, which was seen near the Netherlands' home on April 21.

Troopers released a photo of the suspect vehicle taken from video surveillance.

[PREVIOUS STORY: Friend of murdered teacher says she 'loved her daughters more than anything']

Anyone who owns, had access to or knows someone who was operating a 2006 to 2013 model year Chevrolet Impala matching the photograph on April 21, 2014 should call Kentucky State Police at 270-766-5078.

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