Cunningham Indicted in Death of Weakley County Deputy

DRESDEN (September 1) — A Weakley County Grand Jury has indicted Khristi Dawn Cunningham in connection with the January shooting death of Weakley County Sheriff's Deputy Derrick Bonham, and prosecutors have filed notice that they intend to seek the death penalty if she is convicted of first-degree murder.

The grand jury returned a true bill against Cunningham on September 1 in Weakley County. According to the 27th Judicial District Attorney General's Office, the indictment contains four felony counts: first-degree murder, reckless endangerment involving a deadly weapon, aggravated assault and false reports. Prosecutors also filed a Notice of Intent to Seek the Death Penalty.

Cunningham previously waived her right to a preliminary hearing and requested that the case be presented directly to the Weakley County Grand Jury. At the time, prosecutors said the decision followed discussions with Cunningham's defense attorneys after they were provided the evidence that would have been presented at a preliminary hearing.

Cunningham is scheduled to appear for arraignment Tuesday, September 8, in Weakley County Circuit Court before Judge Jeff Parham. She remains held without bond.

Cunningham is accused in the January 30 death of Bonham, who was responding to a report of possible shots fired at a Days Inn in Martin. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Weakley County deputies were assisting Martin police with the call when Bonham went to a nearby gas station to check for possible witnesses. Bonham encountered Cunningham shortly after 3 a.m. and was shot. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

According to the arrest warrant, investigators allege Cunningham shot Bonham four times — once initially and three additional times after the deputy had fallen to the ground.

Investigators also allege Cunningham fired additional shots in the direction of Martin police officers following the shooting. The allegations are contained in investigative materials and have not been proven in court.

The death-penalty notice does not mean Cunningham has been found guilty. It formally notifies the court and defense that prosecutors intend to pursue capital punishment if the case proceeds to a conviction and the legal requirements for a death sentence are met.

Cunningham is presumed innocent unless and until she is proven guilty in court.

The Tuesday, September 8 arraignment is the next court proceeding in the case.