Local News

18-year-old charged with first-degree murder in death of 17-year-old girl found in Chicago home

Updated on: March 12, 2024 / 4:18 PM CDT / CBS Chicago

Michael Cunningham charged with murder in death of girlfriend

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A 17-year-old girl is dead after she was found unresponsive inside a home in Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood.

Michael Cunningham, 18, has been charged with first-degree murder. Cunningham is expected in court on Tuesday.

The victim has been identified as Chiyenne Washington. Her cause of death has been ruled a homicide by asphyxia and assault, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

The victim was found unresponsive inside a home in the 1200 block of South Washtenaw Avenue at 1:17 p.m. Saturday, police say.

She was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Beth Lawrence

Beth Lawrence is a digital producer for CBS Chicago. Beth joined CBS Chicago as a member of the newsroom assignment desk before taking on her current role. Previously she worked as an on-air reporter and anchor. Beth holds journalism degrees from the University of North Carolina and Northwestern University.