Charles Michael Copass

A 22-year-old pregnant Scottsville woman was found stabbed to death Monday night and within hours, Kentucky State Police made an arrest in connection with her death.

The body of Chelsey N. Mahaney, 22, was found at 441 Barren River Dam Road at 6:03 p.m., KSP Post 3 spokesman Trooper Greg Dukes said in a news release.

Mahaney’s body was found inside the home of Charles Copass, 34, who is charged with her murder, Dukes said. The two did not share a residence.

According to Copass’ arrest citation filed at the Allen County Detention Center, Mahaney was stabbed to death, detention center Chief Deputy Brad Cox said.

The news saddened those who knew Mahaney.

Mahaney was about four months pregnant, Scottsville photographer Heather Patrick-Qualls said. Patrick-Qualls got to know Mahaney when she snapped her senior pictures.

“This makes me sick to my stomach,” Patrick-Qualls said. “She had a smile that would make a sad man happy. She would light up a room. She was really bubbly and active.

“Chelsey never had trouble with anybody,” Patrick-Qualls said. “She was not like that. She was a good girl. I can’t fathom why anybody would do it to anybody. Nobody deserves that. So it’s got the devil’s name written all over it.”

Patrick-Qualls had recently seen Mahaney at their church, East Willow Church of God in Scottsville.

“Chelsey loved everybody. She was good-hearted. My niece had an accident and damaged her leg. It needed doctoring. She would come every night and doctor her leg.”

Mahaney was a certified nurse assistant who was employed at a Bowling Green rehabilitation center, according to Patrick-Qualls and Mahaney’s Facebook page.

“She was so good with kids,” childhood friend Cristin Witcher said. “She was going to be such a wonderful mom.” Mahaney was due to give birth Nov. 22, Witcher, of Scottsville, said.

Mahaney played basketball for the Allen County-Scottsville High School Lady Patriots.

“She graduated here in ’08 and was a good student, fun to be around,” said Brian Carter, principal at Allen County-Scottsville High School. “We were shocked and saddened by the news.

“She was just fun-loving and enjoyed having a good time,” Carter said.

An autopsy is planned at the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office in Louisville.

The investigation is ongoing.

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