In June of 2020, a turbulent affair between a woman from Florida and a former Georgia sheriff's deputy came to a violent and tragic end in downtown Augusta. The body of 37-year-old Nicole Harrington, a female and mother of three, was discovered on the morning of June 18 inside an elevator at the Augusta Convention Center parking garage. She had been shot in the back of the head the previous evening and left for dead.
The discovery launched an investigation that quickly focused on her married lover, a man she reportedly did not know was living a double life.
The suspect was identified as Jason 'Moose' Cunningham, a 48-year-old former Richmond County deputy who had resigned from the force in 2018. The investigation revealed that Cunningham and Harrington were involved in an extramarital affair. On the evening of June 17, 2020, the two met and became involved in a heated argument. According to the Augusta District Attorney's Office, the dispute escalated when Harrington made a comment that insulted Cunningham, sending him into a rage. In response, he fatally shot her as she entered the elevator.
Following the murder, Cunningham fled the scene. He was later tracked to a resort in Appling, where an eight-hour standoff with law enforcement ensued. During the standoff, he requested to speak with his wife. Ultimately, Cunningham surrendered to authorities and confessed to the killing. He was arrested and charged with malice murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. In May 2023, Jason Cunningham pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to life in prison, with an additional five years for the firearm possession charge.
