Kayla Mae Canler, a 27-year-old employee at Bluegrass Farms Learning Center and Bluegrass Farms Christian Academy in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is accused of sending threatening messages to her workplace warning that she would "shoot up" the facility and that "No one is safe," according to authorities. Investigators say Canler's alleged motive was to trigger a lockdown that would keep the children indoors during a brutal heat wave when temperatures reached the high 90s.
Background
Warren County Sheriff's Office deputies responded Aug. 13 to reports of violent threats against the daycare facility located on Plano Road in Bowling Green. Investigators were initially told a former employee or her spouse might be responsible, and deputies secured the facility before locating the pair nearby for questioning. Both "believed suspects" agreed to interviews with investigators, who submitted emergency requests for their social media and email data. However, after several hours of questioning on Aug. 13, both individuals were released as detectives continued their investigation.
The following day, another threat was reported at Bluegrass Farms Learning Center and Bluegrass Farms Christian Academy. Deputies again secured the facilities while detectives pursued new leads in the case.
The Investigation
Investigators eventually traced the threats to a cellphone and IP address located at one of the daycare facilities. Detectives began interviewing employees, and Canler allegedly confessed to sending the messages. According to a copy of the probable cause affidavit obtained by the Bowling Green Daily News, one threatening message warned: "I will be here all day I see yall blocking off everything NO ONE IS SAFE. Better get all the kids out of the building now it's not over I didn't get in trouble yesterday so with that being said."
Canler allegedly explained to investigators that she had sent the threats specifically because she did not want to be outside with the children during the summer heat. The temperature in Bowling Green on Aug. 13 and 14 reached the high 90s, according to weather reports.
"Kayla provided information pertaining to the messages and her motive for sending the messages," the affidavit reportedly stated. "She stated she did not want to be outside in the heat with the children and knew the messages would trigger a lockdown and they would remain inside."
The Charges
Canler was taken into custody and charged with one count each of second-degree terroristic threatening and making a false report that generates an emergency response, records show. She was transported to the Warren County Regional Jail, where she was being held on a $5,000 cash bond.
She later waived her right to a preliminary hearing in Warren District Court, sending the case to a grand jury to consider indictment on the charges.
Key Takeaways
- Kayla Mae Canler, 27, charged with second-degree terroristic threatening and making a false report generating an emergency response
- Threats allegedly sent Aug. 13-14 from her cellphone and IP address at the Bowling Green daycare where she worked
- Canler reportedly confessed to sending threats so lockdown would keep children inside during heat wave with temps in high 90s
- Case bound over to grand jury after Canler waived preliminary hearing in Warren District Court
- Sheriff's office criticized online speculation and demands for arrest before investigation concluded, noting initial suspects were cleared
What's Next
The case will proceed to a Warren County grand jury for potential indictment. Canler remains held on $5,000 cash bond pending further proceedings. No trial date has been set.