Monday, March 1, 2010
03012010 - Judge Lynda Tolen - Berrien County [retired]
Also See: Arrested for domestic violence
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2011/12/judge-lynda-tolen-berrien-county-retired.html
Retired Berrien County Judge Lynda Tolen: Arrested for a second drunk driving offense in 2010, while on probation for first drunk driving offense.
2010: Arrested and charged for drunk driving. Placed on probation.
2010: Arrested for a second drunk driving charge while on probation for first DUI. Setenced to 20 days in jail.
November 30, 2010: State of Michigan suspended Tolen's license to practice law for 180 days [due to her DUI convictions].
December 22, 2011: Arrested for domestic violence.
Former judge in front of bench again
Lynda Tolen arraigned on domestic violence charge
Posted: Friday, December 30, 2011 12:00 am
Herald Palladium
http://www.heraldpalladium.com/localnews/former-judge-in-front-of-bench-again/article_4aa0a047-5eb1-5bac-b81c-aa597392e046.html
ST. JOSEPH - Retired Berrien County Trial Court Judge Lynda Tolen, who has faced drunk driving charges in the past, was back in court this week on charges of domestic violence.
Tolen, 60, of Stevensville, who retired in 2008 after 21 years as a judge, was arraigned Tuesday on the misdemeanor charge, according to a report from WNDU-TV.
The complaint, which Chief Assistant Prosecutor Michael Sepic showed to The Herald-Palladium, stated that Tolen had assaulted a woman named Lisa Brasseur.
The complaint lists Brasseur as a resident or former resident of the same household as Tolen.
Tolen was arrested Dec. 22 and released the next day on a $1,500 bond. On conviction, the charge carries a sentence of up to 93 days in jail and/or a $500,000 fine.
In 2010, while she was on probation for impaired driving in Leelanau County, Tolen was arrested in St. Joseph for drinking and driving.
Police reported she had a blood-alcohol level three times the legal limit.
That case was moved to St. Joseph County, and Tolen served 20 days in jail after being convicted on the charge.
Sepic told WNDU-TV that he has petitioned the state attorney general's office to disqualify his office from the most recent case because of Tolen's previous position with the court.
Friday, February 26, 2010
02262010 - Former MSP Trooper Bart Cunningham - Shot/Wounded Wife And Teenage Stepson Before Committing Suicide
Former Michigan State Trooper Bart Cunningham shot and critically wounded his wife Wendy and his teenage step-son Joshua Snyder. Cunningham then committed suicide. Wendy's and Bart's teenage daughter was unharmed in the shootings and was able to call 911.
Ionia shooting leaves two injured, gunman dead
WZZM13 Grand Rapids
February 26, 2010
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20100226/NEWS01/302260011/-1/newshome/
IONIA - Two people are wounded and a third is dead after a triple shooting in Ionia.
The gunman is dead and is believed to have committed suicide, according to police.
Police say that a 13-year-old girl called police at about 4 a.m. Friday to report the shooting. Two people were taken to Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids with multiple gunshot wounds. There is no word on their conditions.
The incident happened in the 400 block of Baldie Street.
Officers closed off four city blocks surrounding the crime scene and streets. Sts. Peter and Paul School, which is located near the crime scene, closed Friday because of the shooting.
Names of the victims or the gunman have not yet been released and police are still investigating.
Three people taken to hospital after early morning shooting, standoff in Ionia
The Grand Rapids Press
February 26, 2010
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/02/three_people_taken_to_hospital.html
Update at 8:45 a.m.: Ionia police say one person, believed to be the gunman, has died.
A police officer walks in front of the home at 418 Baldie Street in Ionia where three people were shot early this morning. [Dave Odette. The Grand Rapids Press]
IONIA -- Police are investigating an early morning shooting that sent three people to the hospital.
Ionia Public Safety Director David Bulling said officers were called to the 400 block of Baldie Street about 4:30 this morning on reports of gunshots.
Police were in contact with a person inside the house, and it was determined the shooter was still inside. Bulling said active gunshots were heard and the special operations unit was called in.
The street just south of M-21 was shut down as the team entered the house.
Police found three people wounded, one believed to be the shooter.
Identities and conditions of the victims are unavailable at this time.
Police set up a command post down the street in the parking lot of Saints Peter and Paul Church and School.
The school was closed for the day as a precaution, Bulling said. Ambulances were leaving the scene about 6:30 a.m. and the area was secure.
"The neighborhood is safe," Bulling said.
The Grand Rapids Press
February 26, 2010
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/02/neighbors_shocked_by_shooting.html
Rex Larsen The Grand Rapids Press. Barbara Lower, 83, who lives on Baldie Street in Ionia near the scene of a fatal shooting this morning, recalled the seeing the children from that house playing in the neighborhood as they grew up across the street from her.
IONIA -- Across the street from the Baldie Street home where three people were shot Friday morning, Barbara Lower and her friend, Mary Helwig, of Carson City, watched police investigate and wrap crime-scene tape around the house.
Both women know the family and were stunned to hear what happened.
Neighbors reported a family of four, parents and two children, live 418 Baldie Street where the shooting occurred. They were concerned about the children, but heard the kids were OK. Police were not releasing the victims' names or ages but said a 13-year-old girl, who was not hurt, called 911.
"It's shocking, especially in a neighborhood like this," Lower, 83, said.
Helwig, also 83, in town to visit her daughter and grandchildren, said it was hard to imagine such a tragedy with children in the house.
"It's just a sad situation. You don't expect it in a small town like this."
Suspected gunman dies after Ionia shooting, two others seriously injured
The Grand Rapids Press
February 26, 2010
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/02/suspected_gunman_dies_after_io.html
IONIA -- Police say one person is dead and two others seriously injured, in this morning's shooting inside a house at 418 Baldie St.
The deceased is believed to be the gunman. The victims had been shot multiple times, police said. All of those involved were related, police said.
A 13-year-old girl, who was not hurt, called 911, and stayed on with the dispatchers throughout the ordeal.
"She was able to give us updates as this progressed, and she was very helpful," Ionia Public Safety Director David Bulling said.
Police say the names of those involved will not be released until this afternoon.
A neighbor said family of four, parents and two children, lived at the home. The neighbor didn't know details about the shooting but said said police told her neighborhood was safe this morning.
A critical-response team, comprised of Ionia police and Ionia County sheriff's deputies, responded to the scene, but police did not fire any shots, Bulling said.
The Grand Rapids Press
February 26, 2010
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/02/suspected_gunman_dies_after_io.html
An Ionia police officer walks in front of the home at 418 Baldie Street in Ionia where three people were shot multiple times early this morning. [Dave Odette The Grand Rapids Press.]
IONIA -- Police say one person is dead and two others seriously injured, in this morning's shooting inside a house at 418 Baldie St.
The deceased is believed to be the gunman. The victims had been shot multiple times, police said. All of those involved were related, police said.
A 13-year-old girl, who was not hurt, called 911, and stayed on with the dispatchers throughout the ordeal.
"She was able to give us updates as this progressed, and she was very helpful," Ionia Public Safety Director David Bulling said.
Police say the names of those involved will not be released until this afternoon.
A neighbor said family of four, parents and two children, lived at the home. The neighbor didn't know details about the shooting but said said police told her neighborhood was safe this morning.
A critical-response team, comprised of Ionia police and Ionia County sheriff's deputies, responded to the scene, but police did not fire any shots, Bulling said.
Two Shot in Ionia Home
WLNS NEWS
WLNS NEWS
Feb 26, 2010
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=12050266
One man is dead, his wife and stepson injured after an early morning shooting. It happened in Ionia on the 400 block of Baldie Street.
We now know that the shooter is 37 year old Bart Cunningham. Police say he shot his wife and sixteen year old stepson multiple times before killing himself.
They say an argument occurred before the shootings. After that, the couple's thirteen year old daughter called 911.
The police chief says this isn't the first time they've been called to Cunningham's home, but the chief wouldn't say why they had been there before. This time he says it took the swat team fifty minutes to get inside the home with the help of the
David Bulling, Ionia Police Chief: "We were communicating with a thirteen year old on the phone to determine what the situation was and getting our team ready and deployed to go in and make an entry of the home, not knowing what the status of the shooter was."
The thirteen year old girl was not injured. Police say she is safe and staying with family. Both victims are in a Grand Rapids hospital, listed in serious condition with non-life threatening injuries. It's unknown whether drugs or alcohol were involved, but the Michigan State Police are still investigating this tragedy.
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=12050266
One man is dead, his wife and stepson injured after an early morning shooting. It happened in Ionia on the 400 block of Baldie Street.
We now know that the shooter is 37 year old Bart Cunningham. Police say he shot his wife and sixteen year old stepson multiple times before killing himself.
They say an argument occurred before the shootings. After that, the couple's thirteen year old daughter called 911.
The police chief says this isn't the first time they've been called to Cunningham's home, but the chief wouldn't say why they had been there before. This time he says it took the swat team fifty minutes to get inside the home with the help of the
David Bulling, Ionia Police Chief: "We were communicating with a thirteen year old on the phone to determine what the situation was and getting our team ready and deployed to go in and make an entry of the home, not knowing what the status of the shooter was."
The thirteen year old girl was not injured. Police say she is safe and staying with family. Both victims are in a Grand Rapids hospital, listed in serious condition with non-life threatening injuries. It's unknown whether drugs or alcohol were involved, but the Michigan State Police are still investigating this tragedy.
Victims identified in early morning Ionia shooting
Ionia Sentinel-Standard staff
Fri Feb 26, 2010
http://www.sentinel-standard.com/news/x593978943/Three-shot-in-supposed-domestic-dispute
IONIA - Ionia Department of Public Safety Officers responded to shots fired in a residence in the 400 block of Baldie Street at approximately 4:30 a.m. today.
The caller, a 13 year-old female, was in the residence at the time of the shooting, and Central Dispatch stayed on the line with her during the ordeal, and IDPS officers were able to obtain information, according to IDPS Director David Bulling.
Officers secured the perimeter, and heard one shot fired. They called in Ionia County Critical Incident Team, which is made of IDPS officers and Ionia County Sheriff’s Office deputies.
When the Incident Team made entry, they found two victims, Wendy Suzanne Cunningham, 42, and her 16-year-old son and “step-son” to the shooter, with multiple gun shots wounds.
They were flown to Spectrum Health Hospital in Grand Rapids, and are currently in non-life threatening, critical condition, according to Bulling.
The 13-year-old was not injured, and is currently staying with relatives.
The shooter, Bart Fredrick Cunningham, 37, who was found deceased in the basement with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was a former Michigan State Police trooper at the Kalkaska Post 79 from '96 to '04 when he resigned.
The IDPS waited 50 minutes until the perimeter was secure and for the Critical Team to arrive. During that time they stayed connected with the 13-year-old female. During this time they had reason to believe that she was in a safe location.
There were no shots fired from law enforcement officers, and the Michigan State Police Crime Lab is currently investigating the crime scene.
The cause of the shooting seems to have stemmed from a domestic dispute, according to Bulling.
Ionia Sentinel-Standard staff
Fri Feb 26, 2010
http://www.sentinel-standard.com/news/x593978943/Three-shot-in-supposed-domestic-dispute
MSP mobile crime lab is stationed outside the house in the 400 block of Baldie Street where the shooting incident took place early Friday morning.
IDPS Detective Sergeant John Odette and IDPS Director David Bulling are inside the IDPS Mobile Command Center stationed outside the residence where the shooting took place. Photo by Ionia Sentinel Standard.
IONIA - Ionia Department of Public Safety Officers responded to shots fired in a residence in the 400 block of Baldie Street at approximately 4:30 a.m. today.
The caller, a 13 year-old female, was in the residence at the time of the shooting, and Central Dispatch stayed on the line with her during the ordeal, and IDPS officers were able to obtain information, according to IDPS Director David Bulling.
Officers secured the perimeter, and heard one shot fired. They called in Ionia County Critical Incident Team, which is made of IDPS officers and Ionia County Sheriff’s Office deputies.
When the Incident Team made entry, they found two victims, Wendy Suzanne Cunningham, 42, and her 16-year-old son and “step-son” to the shooter, with multiple gun shots wounds.
They were flown to Spectrum Health Hospital in Grand Rapids, and are currently in non-life threatening, critical condition, according to Bulling.
The 13-year-old was not injured, and is currently staying with relatives.
The shooter, Bart Fredrick Cunningham, 37, who was found deceased in the basement with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was a former Michigan State Police trooper at the Kalkaska Post 79 from '96 to '04 when he resigned.
The IDPS waited 50 minutes until the perimeter was secure and for the Critical Team to arrive. During that time they stayed connected with the 13-year-old female. During this time they had reason to believe that she was in a safe location.
There were no shots fired from law enforcement officers, and the Michigan State Police Crime Lab is currently investigating the crime scene.
The cause of the shooting seems to have stemmed from a domestic dispute, according to Bulling.
Ionia shooting victims identified; gunman committed suicide in domestic dispute
The Grand Rapids Press
February 26, 2010
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/02/ionia_shooting_victims_identif.html
UPDATE: Police say Ionia teen was on phone with 911 as former Michigan state trooper shot stepson, her mother, himself.
IONIA -- Police have identified the man who shot and killed himself inside his Ionia home today as Bart Cunningham, 37. He is a former state police trooper who pleaded guilty to a sex crime in 2003.
Cunningham shot and seriously injured both his wife, Wendy Cunningham, 42, and her 16-year-old son, police said. The boy's name is Joshua Snyder. Both were in serious condition this afternoon at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital.
The incident started as a domestic dispute, police said.
Bart Cunningham enlisted as a state police trooper in 1996, but resigned in 2004 while assigned to the Kalkaska post.
In 2002, Kalkaska police arrested Cunningham on a high-court misdemeanor of fourth-degree criminal-sexual conduct, state police records show. He pleaded guilty in 2003 to assault and battery and attempted fourth-degree criminal-sexual conduct and was sentenced to 18 months on probation.
In late December 2007, he was arrested in Ionia for domestic violence. He was sentenced to 12 days in jail and 12 months on probation.
The Grand Rapids Press
February 26, 2010
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/02/ionia_shooting_victims_identif.html
UPDATE: Police say Ionia teen was on phone with 911 as former Michigan state trooper shot stepson, her mother, himself.
Wendy Cunningham, 42, and her son, Joshua Snyder, 16, were shot multiple times this morning by Bart Cunningham, 37, at 418 Baldie Street in Ionia. Rex Larsen The Grand Rapids Press.
IONIA -- Police have identified the man who shot and killed himself inside his Ionia home today as Bart Cunningham, 37. He is a former state police trooper who pleaded guilty to a sex crime in 2003.
Cunningham shot and seriously injured both his wife, Wendy Cunningham, 42, and her 16-year-old son, police said. The boy's name is Joshua Snyder. Both were in serious condition this afternoon at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital.
The incident started as a domestic dispute, police said.
Bart Cunningham enlisted as a state police trooper in 1996, but resigned in 2004 while assigned to the Kalkaska post.
In 2002, Kalkaska police arrested Cunningham on a high-court misdemeanor of fourth-degree criminal-sexual conduct, state police records show. He pleaded guilty in 2003 to assault and battery and attempted fourth-degree criminal-sexual conduct and was sentenced to 18 months on probation.
In late December 2007, he was arrested in Ionia for domestic violence. He was sentenced to 12 days in jail and 12 months on probation.
Ionia gunman was former Michigan state trooper
WWMT TV News
WWMT TV News
February 26, 2010
http://www.wwmt.com/articles/margin-1373169-ionia-bottom.html
IONIA, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – More information is emerging about a triple shooting in Ionia.
The investigation began around 4:30 Friday morning with a 911 call being placed from a home in the 400 block of Baldie Street in Ionia.
Police say a man there shot two of his family members, then shot and killed himself. Now, News channel 3 has learned that the gunman was a former Michigan State Trooper.
Bart Cunningham was a state trooper in Kalkaska until he was charged with criminal sexual conduct. Cunningham resigned in 2004.
In 2008, there was a domestic violence case at the home on Baldie Street, then Friday morning saw more violence.
“It's a terrible, terrible thing that happened,” said neighbor Barbara Lower.
Lower awoke Friday morning to flashing lights across from her home on Baldie Street. She'd seen her neighbors before, but didn't know 37-year-old Bart Cunningham, or his family.
“Never any trouble I could see at all,” said Lower.
However police say around 4:30 Friday morning Cunningham got into an argument with his family members and pulled a gun, shooting his wife, 42-year-old Wendy Cunningham, and 16-year-old stepson.
Cunningham's thirteen-year-old daughter called 911.
“She was giving us what she could hear from her location in the upstairs room,” said David Bulling of the Ionia Department of Public Safety.
It took nearly an hour before the SWAT team went into the house.
“Wendy Cunningham was found upstairs with multiple gunshot wounds,” said Bulling.
Both Wendy Cunningham and her son were rushed to the hospital where they are in serious condition, but their wounds are not considered life-threatening.
Investigators say they found Bart Cunningham's body in the basement.
“He died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds,” said Bulling.
Police say they didn't know whether Bart Cunningham was alive or dead when they went into the house Friday morning, which is why they needed a SWAT team to enter the house.
Police now believe Cunningham was deceased when they arrived.
http://www.wwmt.com/articles/margin-1373169-ionia-bottom.html
Bart Cunningham
IONIA, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – More information is emerging about a triple shooting in Ionia.
The investigation began around 4:30 Friday morning with a 911 call being placed from a home in the 400 block of Baldie Street in Ionia.
Police say a man there shot two of his family members, then shot and killed himself. Now, News channel 3 has learned that the gunman was a former Michigan State Trooper.
Bart Cunningham was a state trooper in Kalkaska until he was charged with criminal sexual conduct. Cunningham resigned in 2004.
In 2008, there was a domestic violence case at the home on Baldie Street, then Friday morning saw more violence.
“It's a terrible, terrible thing that happened,” said neighbor Barbara Lower.
Lower awoke Friday morning to flashing lights across from her home on Baldie Street. She'd seen her neighbors before, but didn't know 37-year-old Bart Cunningham, or his family.
“Never any trouble I could see at all,” said Lower.
However police say around 4:30 Friday morning Cunningham got into an argument with his family members and pulled a gun, shooting his wife, 42-year-old Wendy Cunningham, and 16-year-old stepson.
Cunningham's thirteen-year-old daughter called 911.
“She was giving us what she could hear from her location in the upstairs room,” said David Bulling of the Ionia Department of Public Safety.
It took nearly an hour before the SWAT team went into the house.
“Wendy Cunningham was found upstairs with multiple gunshot wounds,” said Bulling.
Both Wendy Cunningham and her son were rushed to the hospital where they are in serious condition, but their wounds are not considered life-threatening.
Investigators say they found Bart Cunningham's body in the basement.
“He died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds,” said Bulling.
Police say they didn't know whether Bart Cunningham was alive or dead when they went into the house Friday morning, which is why they needed a SWAT team to enter the house.
Police now believe Cunningham was deceased when they arrived.
Former MSP trooper shoots 2, kills self
Everybody is related
WOOD TV News
Everybody is related
WOOD TV News
Feb 26, 2010
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/central_mich/shooting-in-ionia
IONIA, Mich. (WOOD) - Investigators identified Bart Cunningham, 37, Friday afternoon as the man who shot two relatives at their Ionia home early Friday morning before committing suicide.
Cunnningham's wife, 42-year-old Wendy Cunningham, and her 16-year-old son were shot multiple times but are expected to live Ionia Public Safety Director David Bulling said Friday afternoon.
Bulling said the incident was the result of a domestic situation, but did not release further details.
Bart Cunningham was a former Michigan State Police trooper, a department spokeswoman told 24 Hour News 8. He had served only at the Kalkaska Post and resigned in 2004, she said.
The 37-year-old has a fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct conviction on his record, tied to a May 2002 incident. A jury convicted him on a charge of domestic violence against Wendy Cunningham based on a December 2007 incident.
Court records of the 2007 incident obtained by 24 Hour News 8 show Wendy Cunningham called police claiming to have been assaulted,but officers testified they did not find any evidence of injury. In court, Wendy Cunningham said he grabbed at her hand but she did not remember much of the incident. Bart Cunningham testified that he tried to grab his wife's purse and she hit him back.
Public safety officers were first called to the home in the 400 block of Baldie Street east of downtown Ionia around 4:30 a.m.
"Once officers were on scene, they were able to make contact with a 13-year-old that was still in the home," Bulling said Friday morning. The 13-year-old was Bart and Wendy Cunningham's daughter, investigators said, and was not hurt in the incidents. She is now staying with other relatives, they said.
Roughly 50 minutes later, the county's critical incident team -- made up of public safety officers and sheriff's department personnel -- entered the home, Bulling said. Investigators found "one deceased individual," he said. "At this time, the initial investigation has shown that person to be the shooter."
The two victims had multiple gunshot wounds and were taken from the scene by air, he said.
The Michigan State Police crime lab was called to the scene to investigate.
Some streets in the area were closed for a time and nearby Saints Peter and Paul school, which served as a staging area for police, canceled school Friday.
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/local/central_mich/shooting-in-ionia
Former Michigan State Police trooper Bart Cunningham shot his wife and child before killing himself at their Ionia home. File photo
Police in front of a house on Baldie Street in Ionia where two people were shot and one person killed himself.
Police at a home in the 400 block of Baldie Street in Ionia where a shooting occurred.
Emergency personnel at the staging area -- Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School -- after a shooting occurred at a nearby house on Baldie Street in Ionia.
Police at the staging area -- Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School -- after a shooting occurred at a nearby house on Baldie Street in Ionia.
Cunnningham's wife, 42-year-old Wendy Cunningham, and her 16-year-old son were shot multiple times but are expected to live Ionia Public Safety Director David Bulling said Friday afternoon.
Bulling said the incident was the result of a domestic situation, but did not release further details.
Bart Cunningham was a former Michigan State Police trooper, a department spokeswoman told 24 Hour News 8. He had served only at the Kalkaska Post and resigned in 2004, she said.
The 37-year-old has a fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct conviction on his record, tied to a May 2002 incident. A jury convicted him on a charge of domestic violence against Wendy Cunningham based on a December 2007 incident.
Court records of the 2007 incident obtained by 24 Hour News 8 show Wendy Cunningham called police claiming to have been assaulted,but officers testified they did not find any evidence of injury. In court, Wendy Cunningham said he grabbed at her hand but she did not remember much of the incident. Bart Cunningham testified that he tried to grab his wife's purse and she hit him back.
Public safety officers were first called to the home in the 400 block of Baldie Street east of downtown Ionia around 4:30 a.m.
"Once officers were on scene, they were able to make contact with a 13-year-old that was still in the home," Bulling said Friday morning. The 13-year-old was Bart and Wendy Cunningham's daughter, investigators said, and was not hurt in the incidents. She is now staying with other relatives, they said.
Roughly 50 minutes later, the county's critical incident team -- made up of public safety officers and sheriff's department personnel -- entered the home, Bulling said. Investigators found "one deceased individual," he said. "At this time, the initial investigation has shown that person to be the shooter."
The two victims had multiple gunshot wounds and were taken from the scene by air, he said.
The Michigan State Police crime lab was called to the scene to investigate.
Some streets in the area were closed for a time and nearby Saints Peter and Paul school, which served as a staging area for police, canceled school Friday.
One dead, two wounded in Ionia shooting
WZZM CHANNEL 13 NEWS
WZZM CHANNEL 13 NEWS
February 26, 2010
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=118933
IONIA, Mich. (WZZM) - Public safety officers are investigating a triple shooting in Ionia.
It happened in the 400 block of Baldie Street.
Police say that a 13-year-old girl called police at about 4:00am Friday to report the shooting.
"She was giving us what she could based on what she could hear fro her location in an upstairs room," said Ionia Public Safety Director Dave Bulling.
A swat team entered and found two people, 42-year-old Wendy Cunningham and her 16-year-old son, upstairs shot multiple times. They found the shooter, 37-year-old Bart Frederick Cunningham, downstairs, dead after an apparent suicide.
Cunningham and her son were taken to Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids in serious condition, but with non-life threatening injuries.
Officers closed off four city blocks surrounding the crime scene and streets. Sts. Peter and Paul School, which is located near the crime scene, closed Friday because of the shooting.
The 13-year-old girl, the couple's daughter together, was not injured and is staying with family members.
Baldie Street
It happened in the 400 block of Baldie Street.
Police say that a 13-year-old girl called police at about 4:00am Friday to report the shooting.
"She was giving us what she could based on what she could hear fro her location in an upstairs room," said Ionia Public Safety Director Dave Bulling.
A swat team entered and found two people, 42-year-old Wendy Cunningham and her 16-year-old son, upstairs shot multiple times. They found the shooter, 37-year-old Bart Frederick Cunningham, downstairs, dead after an apparent suicide.
Cunningham and her son were taken to Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids in serious condition, but with non-life threatening injuries.
Officers closed off four city blocks surrounding the crime scene and streets. Sts. Peter and Paul School, which is located near the crime scene, closed Friday because of the shooting.
The 13-year-old girl, the couple's daughter together, was not injured and is staying with family members.
Police say Ionia teen was on phone with 911 as former Michigan state trooper shot stepson, her mother, himself
The Grand Rapids Press
February 26, 2010
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/02/police_say_ionia_teen_was_on_p.html
IONIA -- In the little city of Ionia, the Cunningham family has long been a well-known part of the community.
But inside their tidy white house early Friday, authorities say a domestic nightmare played out.
While a 13-year-old girl hid in a bedroom, she relayed to emergency dispatchers the deadly events she could hear transpiring beyond her locked door.
Police say Bart Cunningham, 37, a former state police trooper, shot and injured his stepson, 16-year-old Joshua Snyder, and the teen's mother, 42-year-old Wendy Cunningham. Bart Cunningham then fatally turned the gun on himself, police said.
Authorities were alerted to the incident about 4:30 a.m., when Joshua's younger sister inside the home called police.
She helped provide information for members of an Ionia County tactical team, which took about an hour before entering the home at 418 Baldie St., said David Bulling, director of the Ionia Department of Public Safety.
In the house, police found Bart Cunningham dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and the mother and son suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Police say two guns were likely involved.
Ionia shooting press conference
Wendy Cunningham and her son were taken by helicopter to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital.
They were listed in serious condition.
The incident started as a domestic dispute, police said.
Barb Lower, 83, who lives across the street from the Cunninghams, said she would see their children playing and riding skateboards. "It's shocking, especially in a neighborhood like this," said Lower, who has lived in the house for more than 50 years.
Bart Cunningham enlisted as a state police trooper in 1996, but resigned in 2004 while assigned to the Kalkaska post.
In 2002, Kalkaska police arrested Cunningham on a high-court misdemeanor of fourth-degree criminal-sexual conduct, state police records show. He pled guilty in 2003 to assault and battery and attempted fourth-degree criminal-sexual conduct, and was sentenced to 18 months on probation.
In late December 2007, he was arrested in Ionia for domestic violence. He was sentenced to 12 days in jail, and 12 months on probation.
Court records show Wendy Cunningham also has had recent brushes with the law.
Wendy Cunningham had a 2004 conviction for domestic violence, and 2008 conviction for allowing alcohol or drug consumption by minors. Records showed she was arrested last year for using false or forged prescriptions to obtain controlled substances.
Early Friday, police called Ionia Public Schools leaders, letting them know what had happened, according to Ben Kirby, an assistant superintendent.
The schools on Friday tried to help students and teachers who know the teens involved, and also to stem the tide of speculation that flooded student cell phones, which are supposed to be kept in lockers.
Kirby said counselors will remain in place Monday and that the two students are long-time members of the school community.
"There is quite a connection in the community with that family," said Kirby.
"The kids are well-known and well-respected among students and teachers, as well."
The Grand Rapids Press
February 26, 2010
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/02/police_say_ionia_teen_was_on_p.html
A body is removed Friday from an Ionia on Baldie Street where police say a mother and son were shot by a former state police trooper. Police say the shooter killed himself in the home. Rex Larsen. The Grand Rapids Press.
IONIA -- In the little city of Ionia, the Cunningham family has long been a well-known part of the community.
But inside their tidy white house early Friday, authorities say a domestic nightmare played out.
While a 13-year-old girl hid in a bedroom, she relayed to emergency dispatchers the deadly events she could hear transpiring beyond her locked door.
Former Trooper Bart Cunningham
Authorities were alerted to the incident about 4:30 a.m., when Joshua's younger sister inside the home called police.
She helped provide information for members of an Ionia County tactical team, which took about an hour before entering the home at 418 Baldie St., said David Bulling, director of the Ionia Department of Public Safety.
In the house, police found Bart Cunningham dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and the mother and son suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Police say two guns were likely involved.
Ionia shooting press conference
Wendy Cunningham and her son were taken by helicopter to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital.
They were listed in serious condition.
The incident started as a domestic dispute, police said.
Barb Lower, 83, lives near the home where the shooting occurred. Rex Larsen The Grand Rapids Press.
Barb Lower, 83, who lives across the street from the Cunninghams, said she would see their children playing and riding skateboards. "It's shocking, especially in a neighborhood like this," said Lower, who has lived in the house for more than 50 years.
Bart Cunningham enlisted as a state police trooper in 1996, but resigned in 2004 while assigned to the Kalkaska post.
In 2002, Kalkaska police arrested Cunningham on a high-court misdemeanor of fourth-degree criminal-sexual conduct, state police records show. He pled guilty in 2003 to assault and battery and attempted fourth-degree criminal-sexual conduct, and was sentenced to 18 months on probation.
In late December 2007, he was arrested in Ionia for domestic violence. He was sentenced to 12 days in jail, and 12 months on probation.
Court records show Wendy Cunningham also has had recent brushes with the law.
Wendy Cunningham had a 2004 conviction for domestic violence, and 2008 conviction for allowing alcohol or drug consumption by minors. Records showed she was arrested last year for using false or forged prescriptions to obtain controlled substances.
Early Friday, police called Ionia Public Schools leaders, letting them know what had happened, according to Ben Kirby, an assistant superintendent.
The schools on Friday tried to help students and teachers who know the teens involved, and also to stem the tide of speculation that flooded student cell phones, which are supposed to be kept in lockers.
Kirby said counselors will remain in place Monday and that the two students are long-time members of the school community.
"There is quite a connection in the community with that family," said Kirby.
"The kids are well-known and well-respected among students and teachers, as well."
Fmr. State Trooper Responsible for Ionia Shootings
WLNS NEWS
Feb 27, 2010
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=12055229
An early morning shooting in Ionia leaves one man dead and his wife and stepson injured. It happened on the 400 block of Baldie Street. Police say 37 year old Bart Cunningham shot his wife and sixteen year old stepson multiple times, before killing himself. Cunningham is a former state trooper. Grand Rapids TV station WOOD reports that he resigned in 2004 and has a previous conviction for domestic violence.
Authorities say the couple was arguing before the shootings and that the couple's thirteen year old daughter called 911. The police chief says it took 50 minutes for the SWAT team to get inside the home with the help of that daughter.
David Bulling, Ionia Police Chief: "We were communicating with a thirteen year old on the phone to determine what the situation was and getting our team ready and deployed to go in and make an entry of the home, not knowing what the status of the shooter was."
The thirteen year old girl was not injured. Both shooting victims are in a Grand Rapids hospital listed in serious condition.
WLNS NEWS
Feb 27, 2010
http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=12055229
An early morning shooting in Ionia leaves one man dead and his wife and stepson injured. It happened on the 400 block of Baldie Street. Police say 37 year old Bart Cunningham shot his wife and sixteen year old stepson multiple times, before killing himself. Cunningham is a former state trooper. Grand Rapids TV station WOOD reports that he resigned in 2004 and has a previous conviction for domestic violence.
Authorities say the couple was arguing before the shootings and that the couple's thirteen year old daughter called 911. The police chief says it took 50 minutes for the SWAT team to get inside the home with the help of that daughter.
David Bulling, Ionia Police Chief: "We were communicating with a thirteen year old on the phone to determine what the situation was and getting our team ready and deployed to go in and make an entry of the home, not knowing what the status of the shooter was."
The thirteen year old girl was not injured. Both shooting victims are in a Grand Rapids hospital listed in serious condition.
Ionia shooting victims continue to recover
MLive
February 27, 2010
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/02/ionia_shooting_victims_continu.html
IONIA -- Medical conditions for Wendy Cunningham and her son, Joshua Snyder, have been upgraded to fair.
Cunningham, 42, and Snyder, 16, are recovering at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital after being shot during an apparent domestic dispute.
Cunningham's husband, former state police trooper Bart Cunningham, 37, had shot them multiple times and took his own life in the Friday morning incident; he had pleaded guilty to a sex crime charge in 2003.
A 13-year-old girl in the home at the time of the shootings was spared. She called 911 and stayed on the phone with dispatchers during the ordeal.
Ionia police said Saturday afternoon the case, which stunned neighbors, had no new developments.
MLive
February 27, 2010
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/02/ionia_shooting_victims_continu.html
IONIA -- Medical conditions for Wendy Cunningham and her son, Joshua Snyder, have been upgraded to fair.
Cunningham, 42, and Snyder, 16, are recovering at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital after being shot during an apparent domestic dispute.
Cunningham's husband, former state police trooper Bart Cunningham, 37, had shot them multiple times and took his own life in the Friday morning incident; he had pleaded guilty to a sex crime charge in 2003.
A 13-year-old girl in the home at the time of the shootings was spared. She called 911 and stayed on the phone with dispatchers during the ordeal.
Ionia police said Saturday afternoon the case, which stunned neighbors, had no new developments.
Friday’s victims in stable condition
The Ionia Sentinel-Standard
Mar 01, 2010
http://www.sentinel-standard.com/news/police_and_fire/x1520842961/Friday-s-victims-in-stable-condition
IONIA, Mich. -Two victims who were shot multiple times early Friday morning are expected to make a full recovery, according to Ionia Public Safety Department officers.
"The conditions have been upgraded to stable condition for both parties,” said IDPS Detective Sergeant John Odette.
Wendy Suzanne Cunningham and her 16-year-old son were hospitalized after being shot by her husband, Bart Cunningham, during a supposed domestic dispute, according to IDPS officers.
The preliminary autopsy report on Bart Cunningham showed that it was a self-inflicted single shot with a small caliber that took his life.
The Ionia Sentinel-Standard
Mar 01, 2010
http://www.sentinel-standard.com/news/police_and_fire/x1520842961/Friday-s-victims-in-stable-condition
IONIA, Mich. -Two victims who were shot multiple times early Friday morning are expected to make a full recovery, according to Ionia Public Safety Department officers.
"The conditions have been upgraded to stable condition for both parties,” said IDPS Detective Sergeant John Odette.
Wendy Suzanne Cunningham and her 16-year-old son were hospitalized after being shot by her husband, Bart Cunningham, during a supposed domestic dispute, according to IDPS officers.
The preliminary autopsy report on Bart Cunningham showed that it was a self-inflicted single shot with a small caliber that took his life.
Tests are still being done to check for alcohol or drug use.
A prayer service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Hubbardston for Bart Cunningham. Visitation and lunch will follow the services at the Church Hall.
The family is asking all who attend the service to wear camouflage in memory of Cunningham.
A prayer service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Hubbardston for Bart Cunningham. Visitation and lunch will follow the services at the Church Hall.
The family is asking all who attend the service to wear camouflage in memory of Cunningham.
Bart F. Cunningham
[April 2, 1972 - February 26, 2010]
Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Homes
http://www.webfh.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=294976&fh_id=10349&ck=1
Born April 2, 1972 to Russ and Mary Jo (Tomac) Cunningham left us unexpectantly Friday, February 26, 2010. Bart had been currently working for CSX Railroad for the past 7 years. He is survived by his wife, Wendy (Snyder) Cunningham; children, Joshua and Hunter; parents, Russ and Carolyn Cunningham; step father, Art Lower; In-laws, Cathy and Al Gosdzinksi; brother, Russ (Michele) Cunningham, Jr.; sisters, Corey (Jason) Werner, Chelsea (Taylor) Thelen, Cassidy Cunningham, Angela (Bob) Lusk, and Rachel (Ryan) Lammer; sister-in-law, Stacy (Frank) Shepanski; nieces and nephews, McKenna and Madison Cunningham, Whitney and Wyatt Werner, Hailey Lusk, Justin and Karly Lammer, and Chelsea Shepanski; also many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Jo Tomac; grandparents, Bill and Virginia Cunningham, and Steve Tomac; 3 great friends, Kevin King, Chris Sawtell, and Danon Pierce. Bart left us with many great memories. He was a man with a huge heart. Always there to help anyone with anything. He loved the outdoors; hunting, trapping, fishing, playing cards, throwing washers, spending time with his bestfriend and father, Russ and many special friends - way too many to name.
A prayer service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 4, 2010 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Hubbardston, MI. Visitation and Lunch will follow the services at the Church Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Joshua and Hunter Cunningham Educational Fund in memory of Bart F. Cunningham.
In memory of Bart, the family is asking for all that attend the service, that you wear camoflauge.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Homes, Ionia. Online condolences may be made at www.schraubenlehman.com
[April 2, 1972 - February 26, 2010]
Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Homes
http://www.webfh.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=294976&fh_id=10349&ck=1
Born April 2, 1972 to Russ and Mary Jo (Tomac) Cunningham left us unexpectantly Friday, February 26, 2010. Bart had been currently working for CSX Railroad for the past 7 years. He is survived by his wife, Wendy (Snyder) Cunningham; children, Joshua and Hunter; parents, Russ and Carolyn Cunningham; step father, Art Lower; In-laws, Cathy and Al Gosdzinksi; brother, Russ (Michele) Cunningham, Jr.; sisters, Corey (Jason) Werner, Chelsea (Taylor) Thelen, Cassidy Cunningham, Angela (Bob) Lusk, and Rachel (Ryan) Lammer; sister-in-law, Stacy (Frank) Shepanski; nieces and nephews, McKenna and Madison Cunningham, Whitney and Wyatt Werner, Hailey Lusk, Justin and Karly Lammer, and Chelsea Shepanski; also many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Jo Tomac; grandparents, Bill and Virginia Cunningham, and Steve Tomac; 3 great friends, Kevin King, Chris Sawtell, and Danon Pierce. Bart left us with many great memories. He was a man with a huge heart. Always there to help anyone with anything. He loved the outdoors; hunting, trapping, fishing, playing cards, throwing washers, spending time with his bestfriend and father, Russ and many special friends - way too many to name.
A prayer service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 4, 2010 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Hubbardston, MI. Visitation and Lunch will follow the services at the Church Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Joshua and Hunter Cunningham Educational Fund in memory of Bart F. Cunningham.
In memory of Bart, the family is asking for all that attend the service, that you wear camoflauge.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Homes, Ionia. Online condolences may be made at www.schraubenlehman.com
Obituary: Bart F. Cunningham of Ionia
The Ionia Sentinel-Standard
Mar 01, 2010
http://www.sentinel-standard.com/obituaries/x1520842947/Obituary-Bart-F-Cunningham-of-Ionia
IONIA, Mich. -Bart F. Cunningham of Ionia, born April 2, 1972, to Russ and Mary Jo (Tomac) Cunningham, left us unexpectantly Friday, Feb, 26, 2010. Bart had been currently working for CSX Railroad for the past seven years.
He is survived by his wife, Wendy (Snyder) Cunningham; children, Joshua and Hunter; parents, Russ and Carolyn Cunningham; step father, Art Lower; in-laws, Cathy and Al Gosdzinksi; brother, Russ (Michele) Cunningham Jr.; sisters, Corey (Jason) Werner, Chelsea (Taylor) Thelen, Cassidy Cunningham, Angela (Bob) Lusk, and Rachel (Ryan) Lammer; sister-in-law, Stacy (Frank) Shepanski; nieces and nephews, McKenna and Madison Cunningham, Whitney and Wyatt Werner, Hailey Lusk, Justin and Karly Lammer, and Chelsea Shepanski; also many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Jo Tomac; grandparents, Bill and Virginia Cunningham, and Steve Tomac; three great friends, Kevin King, Chris Sawtell and Danon Pierce.
Bart left us with many great memories. He was a man with a huge heart. Always there to help anyone with anything. He loved the outdoors; hunting, trapping, fishing, playing cards, throwing washers, spending time with his bestfriend and father, Russ and many special friends – way too many to name.
A prayer service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 4, 2010, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Hubbardston.
Visitation and lunch will follow the services at the Church Hall.
In memory of Bart, the family is asking for all that attend the service, that you wear camoflauge.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Joshua and Hunter Cunningham Educational Fund, in memory of Bart F. Cunningham.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Homes, Ionia. Online condolences may be made at http://www.schraubenlehman.com/.
The Ionia Sentinel-Standard
Mar 01, 2010
http://www.sentinel-standard.com/obituaries/x1520842947/Obituary-Bart-F-Cunningham-of-Ionia
IONIA, Mich. -Bart F. Cunningham of Ionia, born April 2, 1972, to Russ and Mary Jo (Tomac) Cunningham, left us unexpectantly Friday, Feb, 26, 2010. Bart had been currently working for CSX Railroad for the past seven years.
He is survived by his wife, Wendy (Snyder) Cunningham; children, Joshua and Hunter; parents, Russ and Carolyn Cunningham; step father, Art Lower; in-laws, Cathy and Al Gosdzinksi; brother, Russ (Michele) Cunningham Jr.; sisters, Corey (Jason) Werner, Chelsea (Taylor) Thelen, Cassidy Cunningham, Angela (Bob) Lusk, and Rachel (Ryan) Lammer; sister-in-law, Stacy (Frank) Shepanski; nieces and nephews, McKenna and Madison Cunningham, Whitney and Wyatt Werner, Hailey Lusk, Justin and Karly Lammer, and Chelsea Shepanski; also many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Jo Tomac; grandparents, Bill and Virginia Cunningham, and Steve Tomac; three great friends, Kevin King, Chris Sawtell and Danon Pierce.
Bart left us with many great memories. He was a man with a huge heart. Always there to help anyone with anything. He loved the outdoors; hunting, trapping, fishing, playing cards, throwing washers, spending time with his bestfriend and father, Russ and many special friends – way too many to name.
A prayer service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 4, 2010, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Hubbardston.
Visitation and lunch will follow the services at the Church Hall.
In memory of Bart, the family is asking for all that attend the service, that you wear camoflauge.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Joshua and Hunter Cunningham Educational Fund, in memory of Bart F. Cunningham.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Homes, Ionia. Online condolences may be made at http://www.schraubenlehman.com/.
The Grand Rapids Press staff
March 03, 2010, 9:07PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/03/recovery_continues_for_ionia_s.html
GRAND RAPIDS -- Wendy Cunningham and Joshua Snyder continue recovering from being shot multiple times during an apparent domestic dispute in their Ionia home on Friday.
Wendy Cunningham, 42, was transferred Wednesday from Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital to the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. Her son, Joshua Snyder, 16, was discharged from Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital on Tuesday.
Both were victims of Cunningham's husband, Bart Cunningham, 37, a former state trooper who had pleaded guilty to a sex crime in 2003. Bart Cunningham took his own life during the shooting.
Ionia Department of Public Safety has not released details of what led to the shooting.
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