Former Phoenix Police officer Germayne Cunningham and his wife, Lisa Cunningham, are seeking release from jail after a change in their prosecution. They are accused of the 2017 murder of Germayne’s seven-year-old daughter, Sanaa Cunningham, with allegations of prolonged abuse leading to her death, according to FOX 10 Phoenix.
Initially, the Cunninghams were released with ankle monitors and no bond. They were later jailed when the case was upgraded to capital murder, which could have led to the death penalty. Prosecutors are no longer seeking the death penalty. This unexpected turn, without a plea agreement or concession from the defendants, led to a request for modified release conditions. "I don't understand why we're in a different position, unless the state is alleging something new," said Eric Kessler, Lisa Cunningham's attorney. Taylor Fox, representing Germayne, pushed for a return to the 2018 release terms, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix.
Meanwhile, Sanaa's biological mother, Silvia Norwood, firmly opposed the notion of their pre-trial release. "As a mother, my heart will forever be shattered that my beautiful daughter was taken from me by her father and stepmother, who treated her so cruely. Germayne and Lisa should not be released under any circumstances," she told the court, as cited by FOX 10 Phoenix. The state's primary concern hinges on the belief that the couple might flee and fail to appear for their impending trial.
Lisa Cunningham's attorney confirmed that the death penalty was removed without any conditions, stating, "The fact that they took the death penalty off the table without asking for anything in return speaks volumes." He credited Australian diplomatic efforts for the decision. Cunningham still faces charges, including first-degree murder and ten counts of child abuse, with the trial set to begin in the coming months. Her legal team is seeking modified release conditions due to her health. Cunningham has maintained her position, stating, "All I can say is that from the very first day, Lisa has denied any wrongdoing," as stated by ABC News.
