Deputy Sheriff Derrick Bonham, 38, was shot and killed early Friday, Jan. 30, while answering a report of possible gunfire at a Days Inn in Martin, Tennessee. He was taken to Volunteer Community Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Authorities said a suspect was taken into custody at the scene.
TBI charges suspect in on-duty killing
In a press release cited by WBBJ, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said agents charged 44-year-old Khristi Dawn Cunningham of Ohio with one count of first-degree murder in connection with the shooting. According to the release, Cunningham is being held without bond. The TBI said it was asked to investigate the on-duty homicide by the 27th Judicial District attorney general.
How investigators say the shooting unfolded
Martin police were dispatched around 2:51 a.m. for reports of possible shots fired at the Days Inn on University Street, and deputies from the Weakley County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist, according to WKMS. As deputies arrived at about 3:09 a.m., they saw a vehicle leaving a nearby Pocket’s gas station. Investigators say the driver opened fire, striking Deputy Bonham, then, according to authorities, shot him again after he fell to the ground. Martin officers then took the suspect into custody at the scene.
Community honors the fallen deputy
Local law enforcement agencies and residents organized a sea-of-blue tribute and lowered flags in Bonham’s honor, with a visitation and funeral set in Greenfield, WBBJ reports. The Tennessee Police Benevolent Association and the Police Benevolent Foundation established a Derrick Bonham memorial fund to support his family. Officials asked for privacy for Bonham’s wife and three children as the investigation continues.
About Deputy Derrick Bonham
Bonham was 38 and a United States Army veteran who had served roughly two years with the Weakley County Sheriff’s Office after working for the Greenfield Police Department, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page and local reporting. Sheriff Terry McDade described Bonham at a press event as “kind, quiet and humble” and said he leaves behind a wife and three young children. Colleagues across the region have urged support for the family as investigators press on with the case.
Investigation and next steps
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is leading the criminal inquiry at the request of the 27th Judicial District attorney general, and officials said there is no continued threat to the public, KFVS reports. Cunningham faces a first-degree murder charge and is being held without bond. Authorities asked anyone with video or information related to the incident to contact the TBI or the Martin Police Department.
