Former deputy gets at least 35 years for killing girlfriend who insulted 'the size of his manhood'

AUGUSTA, Ga. (TCD) -- A former sheriff's deputy pleaded guilty this week to killing his 37-year-old girlfriend in a parking lot elevator after she allegedly made a degrading comment.

The Augusta Press reports Jason "Moose" Cunningham entered the plea for malice murder, and a Richmond County judge subsequently sentenced him to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years, plus five years for possession of a gun in the commission of a felony in connection with the death of Nicole Harrington.

According to the Augusta Press, Cunningham and Harrington were in a relationship, though she reportedly did not know Cunningham was also married. On June 17, 2020, Cunningham got mad at Harrington for spending time with another man named Maui, and Harrington reportedly told him, "At least Maui has a large penis."

Cunningham then shot her in the head. WJBF-TV reports Harrington's body was found the next morning at the Convention Center Parking Deck in Augusta. Officials identified Cunningham as the suspect, and a standoff ensued at the Pointes West Army Resort for eight hours before he eventually surrendered.

Richmond County District Attorney Jared Williams told WJBF Cunningham was "living a double life" due to his affair with Harrington, and he ultimately shot and killed her for "insulting the size of his manhood."

According to the Augusta Chronicle, Cunningham worked as deputy for the Richmond County Sheriff's Office between September 2001 and February 2018.

MORE:

• Former deputy sentenced to life plus five years in 2020 homicide - Augusta Press
• Former Richmond County Deputy sentenced to life in 2020 murder - WJBF
• Standoff ends with parking deck homicide suspect in custody, ID’d as former Richmond County DeputyM 6/18/2020 - WJBF
• Ex-Richmond County deputy charged in 'domestic’ homicide, 6/19/2020 - Augusta Chronicle