Compton Man Charged with Domestic Violence Murder of Wife

Deputy District Attorney Van Ha said Henry Cunningham (dob 9/26/52) of Compton faces one felony count of murder and one misdemeanor count of cruelty to child by inflicting injury.

Arraignment in case TA147755 is scheduled today in Department 12 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Compton Branch.

On Dec. 17, victim Melanie Cunningham, 58, and her 1-year-old granddaughter were asleep inside the victim’s bedroom when the defendant allegedly grabbed a kitchen knife and slit her throat, killing her, the prosecutor said.

Bail is set at more than $1 million. If convicted as charged, the defendant faces a possible maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison.

The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Compton Station.