Former Richmond County sheriff's deputy sentenced to life in prison for murder

Alexandra Koch, Augusta Chronicle
·1 min read

A former Richmond County deputy was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a Florida mother of three.

Jason Cunningham pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison for malice murder, according to the a statement from the Augusta District Attorney's Office. He was also sentenced to five years for possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Cunningham told authorities he shot Nicole Harrington, 37, of Hallandale Beach, Florida, in the back of the head after she "insult[ed] the size of his manhood," according to the statement.

He then left her for dead in a parking garage elevator, according to the DA's office. After alerting authorities to his involvement, Cunningham engaged in a standoff with deputies before being taken into custody.

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This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Former deputy pleads guilty to murdering Florida woman