Michael Scott Cunningham, a 40-year-old white male from Litchfield, IL, tragically passed away on June 1, 2022, in Witt, IL. Michael was born on December 17, 1981, and was known for his work in construction and his passion for music, particularly as a percussionist for the Lost Highway Band. He was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking and camping. Michael's unexpected death occurred at approximately 7:50 A.M.
in rural Witt, IL.
The circumstances surrounding Michael's death were part of a larger, tragic incident. On the morning of June 1, 2022, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a shooting at a residence on Pine Trail in Witt Township. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the bodies of Michael Scott Cunningham and Trista D. Casey, a 38-year-old white female from Witt. Both individuals had been shot multiple times and were pronounced dead at the scene by the Montgomery County Coroner's Office.
The investigation quickly identified Trista Casey's ex-husband, Matthew A. Casey, a 40-year-old white male from Nokomis, as a person of interest. Matthew Casey was suspected of being involved in the shootings of both Michael Cunningham and Trista Casey. Following the initial incident, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Matthew Casey's residence in Nokomis. When deputies executed the search warrant, they found Matthew Casey deceased in his garage from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
This tragic series of events resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left the community in shock. The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Illinois State Police, the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm Systems (ILEAS) Response Team. The case was thoroughly investigated, and the findings indicated that Matthew Casey's actions were driven by personal motives related to his past relationship with Trista Casey.
The deaths of Michael Scott Cunningham and Trista Casey were ruled as homicides, while Matthew Casey's death was determined to be a suicide. The incident highlighted the devastating impact of domestic violence and the far-reaching consequences it can have on individuals and communities. The community mourned the loss of Michael Cunningham, a beloved son, brother, and friend, whose life was cut short in such a senseless act of violence.
