On July 8, 2019, 22-year-old Samantha Cushing, a Caucasian female from Shelbyville, Illinois, was tragically killed. Born on April 3, 1997, in Taylorville, Illinois, Samantha graduated from Pana High School in 2015 and worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Heritage Health in Pana. At the time of her death, she was six months pregnant.
Authorities reported that Samantha died from a close-range shotgun blast to the head. Her boyfriend, 24-year-old Deven Barger, was identified as the primary suspect. Following the incident, Barger led police on a multi-county chase through Effingham, Shelby, and Christian Counties, with their three-year-old child in the vehicle. The pursuit concluded near Taylorville, where Barger was apprehended without further incident.
Barger was subsequently charged with first-degree murder and intentional homicide of an unborn child. At the time of the offense, he was on parole for previous convictions, including aggravated assault against a police officer, felony possession of a weapon, and aggravated fleeing from police. His criminal history dates back to 2012, with charges ranging from vehicle theft to resisting arrest.
In September 2024, Barger pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter of a family member in connection to Samantha's death. He was sentenced to nearly 50 years in prison.
Samantha is remembered by her family and friends for her dedication to her work and her role as a mother. She is survived by her daughter, Addison, her parents, and several siblings. Funeral services were held on July 13, 2019, in Pana, Illinois.
