Curtis Cunningham

A beloved son and skilled barber, Curtis O’Bryant Cunningham Jr. was a man known for his genuine, caring nature and dedication to his family and friends. Born on July 28, 1984, in Galesburg, Illinois, he spent his early years there, graduating from Galesburg High School in 2002. Curtis was a talented athlete who loved baseball, basketball, and football, and he was a devoted fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Cowboys. After attending college, he found his passion and moved to Tampa, Florida, where he earned his barber certificate and worked in the profession for six years. Remembered as a "real and always joking" person who was humble and well-raised, his life was cut tragically short at the age of 33.

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, August 22, 2017, the quiet of Tampa's North Tampa Heights neighborhood was broken by violence. At approximately 12:40 a.m., Curtis was with friends and about to get into a vehicle at the intersection of North Tampa Street and East Adalee Street. They were suddenly confronted by three unknown young males. The encounter quickly escalated into a physical altercation, during which one of the suspects produced a gun and shot Curtis. He was rushed to Tampa General Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries at 1:31 a.m.

The assailants fled the scene immediately after the shooting, running north from Adalee Street and disappearing into the night. The Tampa Police Department launched an intensive investigation into the city's latest homicide, seeking to understand the motive behind the sudden and deadly confrontation. Witnesses described the suspects as three juvenile Black males, estimated to be between 12 and 16 years old. They were described as having thin builds and standing between 5'4" and 5'6" tall. At the time of the incident, they were seen wearing either white or black shirts.

In the days following the murder, investigators appealed to the public for assistance. Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay announced a cash reward of up to $3,000 for any information that would lead to the identification and arrest of the individuals responsible for Curtis Cunningham's death. Despite having descriptions of the persons of interest, the case proved challenging for law enforcement, and no arrests have been made.

The news of Curtis's death sent waves of grief through his communities in both Tampa and his hometown of Galesburg. Friends and family remembered him as a hardworking man with a big heart and many dreams. On online memorial pages, hundreds of virtual candles have been lit in his honor, with loved ones sharing memories of his great smile and positive influence. He was described as someone for whom family always came first, a "real, loving, caring" man whose loss left a profound void. His funeral service was held in Galesburg, where he was laid to rest in East Linwood Cemetery.

As of late 2026, the murder of Curtis Cunningham Jr. remains unsolved and is listed as a cold case by the Tampa Police Department. The investigation is still open, and authorities continue to seek the critical tip that could bring closure to his loved ones. Anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is urged to contact the Tampa Police Department or Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477). Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for the financial reward.