Marion F. Cunningham
Incident
Patrolman Marion Cunningham was shot and killed by a drunken suspect whom he encountered earlier in the evening. Earlier, Patrolman Cunningham took the man home and informed him he would be arrested if he was seen again. As Patrolman Cunningham continued his patrol he encountered the suspect sitting on the steps of the fire department. As Patrolman Cunningham approached, the man suddenly pulled a handgun and opened fire. Patrolman Cunningham was taken to Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he died. The suspect, 28, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was paroled on November 13, 1959. Patrolman Cunningham had served with the Lawrenceburg Police Department for three years and was a World War I veteran.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IN-8E43E997- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Marion. Claim this record.
Also honored at salute.nw. One record, 2 gates. Marion is one person.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Cunningham gave the Lawrenceburg Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lawrenceburg community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Marion F. Cunningham served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Patrolman Marion F. Cunningham is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,759 officers honored here.
In IN, 311 of 504 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.7% of this state's fallen. That is 61.7 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Lawrenceburg Police Department, 2 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Marion F. Cunningham's cause is highlighted.
How Marion F. Cunningham Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Marion F. Cunningham is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Marion F. Cunningham was killed by handgun.
Military Service
Marion F. Cunningham served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit Marion F. Cunningham’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Lawrenceburg Police Department are honored on badge.nw.


