Kenneth Cottrell

Kenneth Cottrell’s 2004 Murder Remains Unsolved

Kenneth Wayne Cottrell was found shot to death inside his Amarillo home on July 6, 2004. More than two decades later, investigators have not publicly identified his killer or announced an arrest in the case.

Cottrell, 52, was killed at his home on Crockett Street while apparently going through his normal morning routine. He was still wearing pajamas, the television was on and a partially consumed cup of coffee was nearby. He had been shot several times in the upper body.^[1]

Investigators found no obvious signs of a struggle or forced entry. Money, credit cards and other valuables were left behind, and an expensive vehicle in the garage was untouched. Those details led police to believe robbery was not the motive and that Cottrell may have been deliberately targeted.^[2]

Authorities considered two possible scenarios: Cottrell either willingly allowed someone he knew into the house or an intruder entered without his knowledge and approached him from behind. His apparent lack of alarm led investigators to favor the possibility that he knew and trusted the person responsible.^[3]

In 2008, Potter-Randall Special Crimes Lt. Gary Trupe said detectives had gathered evidence and substantial information but were still missing the crucial piece needed to solve the case. Police had not determined whether the shooting resulted from a failed business transaction or another personal motive. A year later, authorities again said they believed Cottrell was killed by someone he knew, but no charges followed.

Cottrell was buried at Sunset Memorial Gardens following a graveside service. Publicly available reports indicate that his murder remains unresolved.^[4]

Anyone with information may contact Amarillo Crime Stoppers at 806-374-4400. Tips can be submitted anonymously.