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Kayla Marie Little, 35 of Littlestown started a fundraiser for her daughters three days after the children's father, 36-year-old Bryson W. King died on Nov. 1, 2023, according to posts she made on social media, Bryson's obituary, and statements by the Pennsylvania State Police in an affidavit obtained by Daily Voice.
Troopers came to Little and King family's home in the 100 block of West King Street around 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 2, to investigate Bryson's death at the request of the Adams County District Attorney's office, as explained in the criminal complaint.
Kayla told the troopers that she took her 5 and 9-year-old daughters to school at 8:30 a.m. and came home later to find Bryson King dead. Then she gave written consent for the troopers to enter her home.
They found trash throughout the home, holes in the ceiling, and "observed rats running throughout the kitchen and living room area," as written in the court documents. Two rats even peered out of the kitchen garbage can, one trooper explained.
Next, they went to the second floor where the main bedroom, a bathroom, and the children's room were located. The main bedroom had rats running around, but in the bathroom — they found Bryson King dead with a rat crawling on top of him, according to the affidavit of probable cause.
The children's room is connected to that bathroom. It was also "dirty and deplorable, and rats were observed near (the girls' bedroom) doorway," the troopers wrote. "Feces" were also seen smeared on the walls in the bedroom and in the bathroom near the toilet, according to the affidavit.
The state troopers took 20 photos of the King and Little family's home, and two videos were also shared with them by the local police.
Bryson was a class of 2005 graduate of Biglerville High School, who went on to attend Shippensburg University, according to his obituary. His passion for cooking got him a job as a cook at the Adams County Adult Correctional Center, before moving on to work at Wendy’s in Gettysburg for over 12 years.
"He loved all kinds of music, playing video games, but most of all loved his family," as stated in his obituary.
His obituary states that he "died suddenly of natural causes." Kayla's sister, Kirstie told Daily Voice in an email that she believes he died due to a blood clot, although we have been unable to independently confirm that.
Bryson is survived by his "longtime partner" Kayla and their two daughters; three brothers, Jordan King (Ashley) of Florida, Chandler King (Joelle) of Biglerville, PA and Alexander King (Alexandria) of Arendtsville, PA; sister, Hannah King (Isma’el) of Pittsburgh, PA; maternal grandmother, Mary Strausbaugh of Littlestown and Fay King of Gettysburg, PA; three nephews, and eight nieces, as detailed in his obituary.
Kayla Little was arrested on Monday, Nov. 13 on the following charges according to her court docket: one felony and one misdemeanor for endangering the welfare of children- parent/guardian/other commits offense.
She's been released on a $10,000 unsecured bond as set by Magisterial District Judge Christopher A. Snyder during her preliminary arraignment at 10:45 a.m. held on the same day she was arrested.
Her preliminary hearing has been set before Judge Synder at 10:45 a.m. on Nov. 22.
Kirstie Little claimed in an email to Daily Voice, that Kayla and Bryson "had a very abusive relationship. Everytime she tried to leave him and take the girls he would constantly threaten her. If he wasn't being verbal or physically abusive he was sexually abusing her." She went on to write that "the holes in the ceiling were known to the landlords but they did nothing about it." She noted that the Little/King home was one of three attached units so "if the rats are in one unit they are in all."
Daily Voice could not find any court or police records to substantiate the claims against the landlord or Bryson's alleged abuse, but that doesn't mean either situation could be true.
Before her arrest, Little launched a GoFundMe supposedly to help her children through the grieving process. On the campaign page, she wrote in part:
"This has been an emotional experience, not only as their mother but for them as well. The girls and I greatly appreciate all the love and support we have been given more than words will ever describe.Because of the event, our income has decreased. The holiday’s are quickly approaching and bills don’t stop.Thank you for all your heartfelt support and wishes."
In Kirstie Little's email to Daily Voice, she noted that the loss of Bryson's income would greatly impact the family, so launching the GoFundMe "was a way of trying to help with this new financial adjustment."
Daily Voice has reached out to GoFundMe and verified that this campaign is legitimate. You can click here if you want to donate.
Another GoFundMe was launched to help "the family of Bryson King," and although GoFundMe staff have verified that campaign, the donations have been turned off by the organizer.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article has been updated to correct Kayla Litte's bond information and to include new information shared by family members.
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