AUGUSTA, USA – Jason “Moose” Cunningham, 48, a former sheriff’s deputy in Richmond County, Georgia, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the cold-blooded murder of his lover, Nicole Harrington, 37, in June 2020.
Cunningham, who once wore the badge and took an oath to protect and serve, turned to violence in an alarming act. The crime was reportedly spurred by a heated argument during which Harrington made a derogatory comment about Cunningham’s manhood.
According to an affidavit acquired by WRDW, the fatal incident occurred in a parking garage elevator at the Augusta Convention Center on June 18, 2020.
Cunningham stated he went to the location to meet Harrington to end their extramarital affair. The conversation escalated into a verbal altercation that ended with Cunningham shooting Harrington in the back of the head.
District Attorney Jared Williams described the situation as one in which “the defendant was living a double life.” Cunningham informed investigators that he was provoked to violence after Harrington insulted his manhood. He then left her lifeless body in the elevator.
Following the shooting, Cunningham was involved in an eight-hour standoff with the police. When he finally surrendered, he was found in possession of two loaded firearms.
Cunningham, who served as a deputy for approximately 14 years, had resigned in February 2018 after failing a drug test, as reported by The New York Post.
In addition to his law enforcement career, Cunningham was associated with Forces United, where he handled fundraising and marketing.
He resigned from this role less than two months prior to the incident. In a statement, Forces United commented, “During his tenure, he was dedicated to our mission of serving veterans and very involved in the community. We are praying for everyone involved in this situation.”
Nicole Harrington was a married mother of three from Florida. Her untimely death has left a void in the lives of her family members and the community.
Cunningham pleaded guilty to malice murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Monday, May 22, 2023, He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 35 years for the murder charge, with an additional five-year sentence for the weapons charge.
This case serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of unchecked anger and violence.
