Erika Johnetta Gee, a 31-year-old African American woman, tragically lost her life on July 24, 2010, in Hitchcock, Texas. The incident occurred late on a Saturday night when Erika was at her apartment in the 5800 block of Delaney. The events leading to her death began earlier that evening at a dog park in La Marque, where she encountered her boyfriend, Bernard Stinson Cunningham, 33. An argument ensued between the two, which escalated upon their return to the apartment. Cunningham, armed with a 10-mm gun, shot Erika three times, striking her in the thigh and other areas. The shooting was witnessed by Erika's 11-year-old daughter, who immediately called 911 for help.
Erika was rushed to a Texas City hospital, where doctors performed an emergency C-section in an attempt to save her unborn child, who was due in about four months. Unfortunately, the fetus was fatally struck in the neck by one of the bullets, and both Erika and her unborn child did not survive. Cunningham fled the scene but turned himself in to the authorities approximately 20 minutes later. He was subsequently charged with murder and booked into the Galveston County jail with bail set at $500,000.
The case garnered significant attention due to the brutal nature of the crime and the fact that Erika's daughter witnessed the entire incident. Cunningham, who had a prior criminal record, claimed that the shots were accidentally fired during a struggle with the gun. However, the daughter's statement contradicted this claim, leading to Cunningham's arrest and murder charge. The Galveston County District Attorney's Office considered upgrading the charges to include the death of the unborn child, given the severity of the crime and the loss of two lives.
Erika's family, devastated by the loss, described her as a hardworking, loving, and kind individual. Her sister, Lameko Hennigan, and her father, John Lundy, expressed their grief and called for justice. The case highlighted the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help in abusive relationships. Erika's death serves as a tragic reminder of the need for awareness and intervention in such situations.
