Nocona man pleads guilty in child’s death before trial begins

Michael Cunningham, a Nocona man charged with capital murder in the death of an unborn child, pled guilty to a lesser charge Monday.

Cunningham

Cunningham’s trial was moved to Henrietta from Montague County, a change of venue requested by the defense. The plea agreement took place prior to the selection of a jury.

Cunningham was charged in the death of his girlfriend’s unborn child.  In February 2012, Cunningham slammed Courtney Quintana’s stomach in a car door twice, causing a miscarriage.

Cunningham pled to the first-degree felony offense of injury to a child and sentenced to 40 years in prison.  He will not be eligible for parole until 2033.

Ms. Quintana is satisfied with the outcome, “ said 97^th District Attorney Paige Williams. “I am pleased with the resolution of this case. I would like to thank my staff for all their hard work on this case.”