A shocking incident in Tennessee has left a community in grief after a deputy sheriff was shot and killed while responding to a call for help. Authorities say the same woman who reported a shooting at a motel later ambushed the officer, leading to a tragic and deadly outcome.
Deputy Shot Dead While Responding to 911 Call
A 44-year-old woman named Khristi Cunningham has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly shooting and killing Weakley County Sheriff’s Deputy Derrick Bonham, who was 37 years old. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) confirmed the charges and is leading the investigation.
The incident took place during the early hours of January 30 in Weakley County, located in western Tennessee. Deputy Bonham was on duty when the Martin Police Department contacted the sheriff’s office around 3 a.m. They requested assistance after receiving a report of gunfire at a Days Inn motel on University Street in Martin, a small city about 145 miles from Nashville.
What Investigators Believe Happened
According to court documents and investigators, Cunningham is suspected of firing a gun at the motel and then calling 911 herself to report the incident. After making the call, she allegedly drove about one mile away to a nearby convenience store called Pocket’s and waited there.
Authorities believe she positioned herself to watch how police responded. Reports say she continued calling 911 and hanging up several times. A dispatcher later informed Deputy Bonham that the caller might be at the convenience store.
When Bonham arrived at the gas station to check for witnesses just after 3 a.m., he found Cunningham there. At the time, she was reportedly still on the phone with 911.
Ambush and Shooting of the Deputy
Investigators say that for reasons still being examined, Cunningham pulled out a weapon and shot Deputy Bonham. She then allegedly fired three more shots at him after he fell to the ground.
Body camera footage from the deputy reportedly captured the attack. Authorities also say Cunningham fired several additional shots toward other responding officers before being arrested by police from the Martin Police Department.
Deputy Bonham was quickly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, but he later died from his injuries.
Victim Remembered by Family and Colleagues
Deputy Derrick Bonham was a husband and father of three children. Weakley County Sheriff Terry McDade described him as a kind, humble, and quiet officer who was respected by everyone who knew him.
The sheriff called the incident a “great tragedy” and expressed deep sorrow over the loss. The entire community has been left mourning the death of a dedicated officer who lost his life while serving and protecting others.
Case Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Accused | Khristi Cunningham |
| Age | 44 |
| Victim | Deputy Derrick Bonham |
| Victim Age | 37 |
| Location | Martin, Weakley County, Tennessee |
| Date of Incident | January 30 |
| Charges | First-degree murder |
| Incident Type | Alleged ambush shooting of deputy |
| Status | Suspect arrested and charged |
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities are still working to understand the exact motive behind the shooting. Investigators are reviewing evidence, including body camera footage and 911 call records, to piece together the sequence of events.
The case has drawn attention across the region due to the shocking nature of the alleged ambush. Law enforcement agencies continue to stress the dangers officers face daily while responding to emergency calls.
