Dayton, OH – An Ohio man has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend and a 16-year-old boy. The chilling crime was fueled by jealousy and obsession, leaving a community in shock and mourning.
Nicole “Nico” Cunigan, 33, was convicted earlier this month on multiple charges, including four counts of murder and several other felony offenses. The tragic events unfolded on the morning of May 22, 2024, when Cunigan broke into Precious Taste’s home and opened fire, killing her, their unborn child, and family friend Deante Johnson.
A Horrific Crime Motivated by Jealousy and Obsession
At approximately 6:00 a.m. on May 22, Cunigan forcibly entered the home on Shaftesbury Road in Dayton by pushing in a window. After gaining access, he fired multiple shots:
- Precious Taste, 32, was fatally shot while fleeing down the stairs.
- Deante Johnson, 16, was found dead under covers in a bedroom.
- Nicole was approximately 14-15 weeks pregnant with their unborn child, who also perished.
- Taste’s 3-year-old twins were present but unharmed during the attack.
Montgomery County Prosecuting Attorney Mat Heck Jr. stated,
“The autopsy determined that Precious Taste had died from multiple gunshots, and that she was approximately 14-15 weeks pregnant. The autopsy of Deante Johnson determined that he too died from multiple gunshots.”
Cunigan fled the scene in Taste’s vehicle and was the subject of a nationwide manhunt. He was captured after nearly two months in Cleveland.
Legal Proceedings and Conviction
Cunigan was convicted on all 10 counts brought against him, including:
- Four counts of murder
- Two counts of felonious assault
- One count each of involuntary manslaughter, domestic violence, tampering with evidence, and unauthorized use of a vehicle
The judge sentenced Cunigan to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole, crediting him with just over one year served in pre-trial detention, making him eligible for release only in 2063.
During the trial, prosecutors revealed threatening messages sent by Cunigan to Taste, including text messages such as,
“I’m watching your every movement. You better not touch anyone else.”
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Anthony Schoen described Cunigan as an obsessive stalker driven by jealousy.
Despite overwhelming evidence, Cunigan proclaimed his innocence during the sentencing hearing, stating,
“God don’t put nobody through nothing they can’t handle. I’m innocent.”
Emotional Family Response at Sentencing
The family of Precious Taste spoke poignantly during the sentencing. Taste’s brother, Carl Thomas, addressed Cunigan directly, saying,
“All the tough talk that you did, you weren’t good enough to walk away. After she asked you to leave her alone. Should have just walked away. There are more fish in the sea. You ended your life, hers. You didn’t care about your kids.”
Thomas further added,
“You took a beautiful soul.”
Community Impact and Broader Issues
This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence and obsession, especially when intertwined with jealousy and mental health issues. It has prompted renewed calls in Ohio and beyond for enhanced protections for victims and swift legal responses to stalking and threatening behavior.
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This case is documented in detail in the source report available at NewsBreak.
What Do You Think?
What are your thoughts on the tragic murder case of Nicole Cunigan and the frightening consequences of jealousy in abusive relationships? Have you or someone you know experienced stalking or domestic violence? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
