Staunton, VA – A Virginia court handed down several convictions to a Staunton man involved in an alarming assault that ended when an armed bystander intervened. On Tuesday, the Augusta County Circuit Court found 40-year-old Adam R. Cunningham guilty on multiple charges, including attempted abduction and attempted strangulation, both felonies, as well as misdemeanor assault and battery.
The courtroom was tense as the jury, after deliberating for just under 40 minutes, reached its verdict based on the troubling details of the March incident. According to the prosecution, the victim suffered severe physical trauma including bruises, a dislodged tooth, and a black eye. A nurse who examined the victim described the injuries in detail during her testimony.
Eyewitnesses provided disturbing testimonies about the events that unfolded on March 20. Ashley Tyree, who played a critical role in stopping the assault, recounted how she witnessed Cunningham attack the victim and then use a paintball gun to shoot her at point-blank range. Tyree, who was driving by the scene, armed herself and ordered Cunningham to cease his assault, ultimately rescuing the victim and her dog and driving them to safety.
Despite initial hesitance to engage with law enforcement, the victim eventually identified Cunningham, who is also known by the nickname “Swag,” as her assailant. This identification was crucial in linking him to the crime scene, especially with additional evidence such as paint residues found in the victim’s hair and on the dog.
During the trial, Cunningham’s defense attempted to discredit the victim’s testimony by suggesting her judgment was clouded by drug influence at the time of the incident. The defense’s argument highlighted the complexities of relying on witness testimony, particularly when drugs are purported to be involved.
After the assault, Cunningham evaded capture for several weeks, eventually being located and arrested by a U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force aboard a boat on Virginia’s James River. The arrest led to the recovery of the paintball gun, which was found at a relative’s home and used as evidence in the case.
The assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, along with deputies, pressed the seriousness of the charges, underscoring the violence and premeditation involved in the attack. Despite his claims of non-involvement in the strangulation attempt, and his acquittal on a misdemeanor animal cruelty charge, the jury convicted Cunningham, reflecting the weight of the evidence against him.
Cunningham, who has more than two dozen felony convictions, faces upcoming sentencing on March 27. He is also pending trial for unrelated charges in Botetourt County, including methamphetamine distribution and firearms offenses. He remains incarcerated at Middle River Regional Jail in Verona, Virginia.
This shocking case underscores the ongoing challenges and complexities of criminal prosecution, as well as the critical role of community members and law enforcement in bringing offenders to justice.
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