Michael R. Cushingberry was charged Thursday with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting Steven L. James in the back of the head and killing him during a drug deal.
James' decomposing body was found in an apartment at 8803 Millwood Drive on April 12. The manager of the apartment complex hadn't seen the 37-year-old James for days.
An autopsy on James' body showed that he had been shot in the head.
Court records say a tipster told homicide detectives in June 2009 that a man named "Mike" had told him that he had "taken care of" the victim. In December 2009, the tipster identified "Mike" as 27-year-old Cushingberry.
Another tipster in a correction facility told police in December 2009 that James was killed during a botched drug deal.
Yesterday, a third person told police that he had witnessed
Cushingberry walk up behind James, who was seated on a couch, and shoot
him in the head.
Also on Wednesday, police arrested and questioned Cushingberry, who
claimed that he didn't know James and had never been to his apartment.
Cushingberry added that he would never kill anyone -- but if he wanted
someone dead, he'd have someone else do it.
Jackson County prosecutors also charged Cushingberry with armed criminal action.
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I Always Knew Steven Should Have Stayed In Cali. . . I'm The Mother Of His First Child And I Have 2 Say Steven Didnt Deserve This In Any Way Shape Or Fashion He Had A Heart Of Gold As Did His Mother Who Is Now With Him I Thank God She Was Able 2 See Justice Served Before She Joined Him. This Is NOT A Winning Situation 4 Anyone Especially All Of Our Children. RIP BIG STEVE 4 Always&4 Ever 44 Ways Alot Of Sleepless Nights And Extra Long Days I Will See U And Mama Mary At The Opening Of Heavens Gates......Monica A.k.A Moe~
Stockton California
I still feel the way I feel about the situation. I feel bad that he went to prison but God knows the truth and the truth didn't set him free. Oh to the ppl all involved in our business... I could of cared less what he did when we was together. I feel if I had of never met him some of the things that happened in my life wouldn't of. I thank GOD that Mike was doin what he wanted because I missed the bullet and was spared from alot of mess that he was in. When he truly finds GOD, Mike will be a better man. If not then he will get out and within a yr will be back in prison. W/O God Mike, me, you, and everyone breathin is NOTHING!
On March 25th 2011, Michael Cushingberry was wrongfully convicted in a K.C court. This court took the testimonies of two men (one in the Federal Prison System) that plotted to kill this man. The first witness said he paid a man to take this victim's life (A MURDER FOR HIRE) and the two of them walked out of the courtroom without even a slap on the wrist. The second witness (the man which was paid) said the detective over this case said "he had to put Mr. Cushingberry on the scene in order to get a conviction", so the only thing the State of Missouri could come up with was a black & mild. They stated it was a 1 in 800,000 chance that Mr. Cushingberry hit this black & mild (although Mr. Cushingberry actually smoked Kools). I learned during this trial that this man lost his lfe for no apparent reason and that Mr. Cushingberry should not have even been involve at all in this terrible act. This case started with two men and should have ended with the two men that conspired to kill him. Each of these men got on the stand and told two or three different stories which should have raised reasonable doubt and the judge over the case before sentenceing Mr. Cushingberry said "I have reasonable doubt, but because of your affiliation with these people, I find you guilty". So, I pray the truth in this matter will come to light soon because I think the State of Missouri took this man's death too lightly and the family needs the truth. If anyone out there is interested in putting the right men behind bars for this senseless murder, please get involved, because these two men will never have this murder on their record which is unfair and unconstitutional.
who's a good man, A good man would never take A REAL MANS LIFE FOR SOME MONEY AND WHAT U STILL BROKE AND IN JAIL ALL OF YA'LL WORTHLESS PEOPLES..IT JUST PISSES ME OFF AND THEN U COMMENT ABOUT OPEN TRIAL WELL YOU MAKE SURE YOU THERE WHEN THEY TELL HIM HE'S NEVER GETTING OUT AGAIN AND HE ROTTS IN THERE FOR THE REST OF HIS PITIFUL LIFE GOOD THING GOD IS A FORGIVING GOD AS LONGS AS YOU REPENT BUT HE BROKE A COMMANDMENT " THOU SHALL NOT KILL" I KNOW WE ALL BREAK EM BUT TO TAKE ANOTHER LIFE IS JUST SICK TO ME AND WHOEVER INVOLVED ALL OF YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS..HOW DARE YOU DEFEND HIM.. I HOPE STEVE CHASES HIM IN HIS SLEEP AT NIGHT WHEN HE CLOSES HIS EYES...HE IS A COWARD..RIP BIG STEVE UR THE GOOD MAN IN THIS SITUATION AND MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY AND KIDS....GOD BLESS
I was with him for about 5years. He's a good man, no one can tell me any different. As to everyone hatin & talkin shyt, trials are open to the public. Say that shyt to his face. He will forever be in my heart and in my prayers. He's a damn good man, he always cared for my kids.
even after this time has passed I still can't deal with the loss of my nephew, so much that I'm too broken hearted to really speak my mind. RIP my love
it was very senseless and heartless no amount of money in the world causes u to take someones life and all of them have to live with that and steve was a great person..and anybody can change if they want to change and after i heard what i did its really heartbreaking that people could be that way but one thing for certain KARMA will come back so hard and for those of you that think u have gotten away God knows the Truth..and any person that can walk around after being the reason for taking a life YOU DONT DESERVE A HEART!! And Michael it seems like he just wanted the attention of people who didnt care 2 cents about him look where it got you and where are they waliking around the town free...but we live and learn ..the question is did he cause the look in his eyes shows me pure evil and always has i never liked him You know Owls can see Rats from miles away in the dark...and the rest of them niggas will have to live with that i'm sure steve is chasing them in there sleep with that gorgeous Smile .. Rest In Peace Steven James..
It blows my mind that after this tragedy,...Ignorance still finds its way. I dont care about the little things,...all in all Steve had a Good Heart. He did not deserve to die at the hands of anyone. These children are the ones who are hurting inside. His mother and family have to live with the reality of this situation..EVERY GOD GIVEN DAY. and for someone to post negative things at a time like now shows that this world is corrupt. We all know the truth,...But one thing i know is that he had a good heart, and I can only speak for myself when i say that I know he loved my daughter. and So what he wasnt perfect. who is? He had a good heart. and if he couldve changed all of this,...he would have. God Bless all of those babies left fatherless. May God heal their hearts over time. May his mother feel at peace in her heart one day. And may his soul rest finally.
this is to all the bitch ass niggas in or out ofjail u better start praying cuz justice will be servied that was my cousion and youll knew that pussy boy did and waited to tell to save your own ass and you to should get charged with murder that shit anit coo i and everybody eles no whou r so yo snitch ass better keep hiding God will seek all of you involed over punk ass money what can dat money do now an to black b.m. bitch he was fucking everbody in town not giving a fuck bout u r dat baby hope this shit go fed's so he can see da rest of his bitch ass niggas youll cowards bird yo did this they will find u black needs to die right with the eye wittness
I glad to see that maybe just maybe justice can be served. At least I hope that I can tell his three year old son that when he becomes of age and asks my that question of why hasn't my daddy be around I can tell him the whole story of what happened. I feel sad because he is too young and he is not going to remember Steve when he gets older. RIP Steve. Love you always.
I must take back the comment that was made. Not all info was given to me until today. Now I don't care bout the threats. I'm not scared of anyone but God himself so you can save that. He hasn't been the best dad but if he was trying to get his life right then this is a spiritual war. God spared u
Mike for Himself. He opened the door and is waiting on you. Your in the right place for life changing and saving!
I miss my brother Steve and I pray to God for Mr. Cushingberry's soul. We cannot sit in the seat of judgment but IF he took my brother's life, the same measure of judgement will be upon his life. Just know that a good man; father of 10 was taken off this earth in a senseless death. Get your lives in order people!
to all you bitch ass nigga haten on tha realist nigga all you nigga can lick nutts and swallow balls an pray to god my cousin do get u ..................bitch
That is my son's dad. Not saying i got his back cause he ain't done shit in EVER.. but i will say that that's one more violent person off the streets. He wasn't doing anything with his life anyway. My condolences to the family of Mr. James.
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