Photo: Jaheem Cunningham (DeSoto County Jail photo)
July 16 – The DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office announced today that 21- year-old Jaheem Cunningham of Walls was sentenced to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty Monday in DeSoto County Court to one count of second-degree murder.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, Cunningham intentionally shot his cousin while lying on the couch of his home, after a verbal altercation. The incident took place on March 16, 2023.
After shooting his cousin, Cunningham then tried to conceal the body, the pistol, and the victim’s car by dumping them in Memphis. Jail information indicates he was booked into the DeSoto County Jail the following day.
“Jaheem Cunningham’s admission of guilt and the severe sentence imposed underscore the severity of his crime,” District Attorney Matthew Barton said on Tuesday. “Yesterday’s result sends a clear message that violent acts in DeSoto County will not go unpunished.”
Cunningham will serve a full 40-year sentence without the possibility of early release. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Drew Willcutt, and the investigation was led by the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
