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Written by: E. George
Published August 20, 2024 @ 2:35 PM ET
PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. – On Saturday, August 17, 2024, Paulding County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Cunningham, 30, was shot and killed in the line of duty during an ambush while responding to a domestic disturbance call in the Harmony Creek subdivision of Hiram. The suspect has been identified as 42-year-old James Samuel Atkins who also shot his wife before turning the gun on himself.
Deputy Cunningham, who had been with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office since 2020, was killed within “8 seconds” of his arrival at the scene. According to authorities, Atkins, who was armed with an AR-15 style rifle, took an elevated position from inside the home and fired approximately 16 rounds at Cunningham as he exited his patrol car. The ambush was so sudden and forceful that Cunningham and his partner were unable to return fire or react in time.
“Cunningham was shot as he exited his patrol vehicle, never even seeing the threat before being executed,” the sheriff’s office said. “Shots continued to come from inside the residence, preventing his partner from being able to render aid.” Once additional resources arrived, Cunningham was quickly moved to a waiting ambulance and transported to Wellstar Paulding Hospital where he died of his injuries.
After shooting Cunningham, Atkins turned the gun on his wife, Kim Thao Vu, 52, as she attempted to flee. Vu was rushed to an Atlanta-area hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
Police then used drones and robot technology to enter the home where they located Atkins deceased with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The suspect’s younger brother said that his brother had “fought demons his entire life” and publicly expressed his grief and remorse. “We’re devastated by this loss, and this is hard for everyone,” he told reporters, conveying his deepest condolences to Deputy Cunningham’s family.
He explained that Atkins had called their father during the incident. He believed he told their father that he had shot his wife and an officer before hanging up on him.
“We do know that Atkins did have an extensive criminal history. We have quite a few calls for service at that residence. We do know that he was convicted in Cobb County for a robbery back in 2011 so he was a convicted felon,” Paulding County Sheriff’s Spokesperson Deputy Ashley Henson said.
The community has rallied in support of Cunningham’s family, particularly his two young children, who are now facing life without their father. Major Ashley Henson of the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office praised Cunningham, a Marietta High School graduate, as a dedicated and kind individual remembered for his constant smile and positive demeanor.
On Monday, his family held hands, praying outside the sheriff’s office, where a beautiful memorial was set up.
Local organizations, including the Paulding Public Safety Appreciation nonprofit, have mobilized to provide financial support to Cunningham’s family. In less than 24 hours, over $20,000 was raised through t-shirt sales, and additional donations continue to be sought.
This loss has deeply impacted the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, as Cunningham is the first deputy to be killed in the line of duty since the department’s establishment in 1834. The response to the incident was massive, with hundreds of officers from various jurisdictions participating in a solemn procession to escort Cunningham’s body from the GBI crime lab to Clark’s Funeral Home in Hiram on Monday night.
The funeral for Deputy Cunningham will be held on Friday, August 23 at West Ridge Church, 3522 Hiram Acworth Highway, Dallas, GA 30157. Public visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM. The funeral service will follow right after at 2:00 PM.
Following the funeral service, law enforcement will escort Deputy Cunningham to his final resting place at Kennesaw Memorial Park where a private burial ceremony will be held for family and Paulding County Sheriff’s Office personnel. The service is expected to draw a large crowd of law enforcement personnel and community members who wish to pay their respects.
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