Mother Wins $1.5 Million Verdict Against Man Accused of Killing Her Child

Judgment has been entered in the amount of $1.5 million in favor of the mother of a child who died while at a babysitter's house. Charged in the death was Jeffery Cookson, who was convicted of two counts of murder of Treven Cunningham and Mindy Gould regarding the double homicide that occurred on December 3, 1999. Cassie Cunningham, mother of the child, Treven Cunningham, filed a civil suit against Cookson for the wrongful death. On May 6, 2005, Justice Andrew Mead of the Penobscot County Superior Court rendered judgment in the amount of $1.5 million. The trial which was held in the Penobscot County Superior Court included State Police Detectives, forensic evidence and numerous family witnesses who testified to the circumstances surrounding the death and the damages incurred.

The Plaintiff, Cassie Cunningham, was represented by Marie Hansen and Larry Willey of Willey Law Offices in Bangor. Larry Willey, one of her attorneys, stated the Judgment was a fair and reasonable one, particularly considering the heinous manner in which Defendant Cookson killed the child and Ms. Gould. Although only Cunningham's son was part of the wrongful death suit, it was evident in the Courtroom that Cookson executed the victims. Willey also noted that the Court granted $75,000 in punitive damages, the maximum that the Legislature allows in such cases. Willey stated that the Legislature should consider increasing the limit on punitive damages in such cases, involving such willful and malicious bad acts as occurred here. The total Judgment was $1,551,565.33 plus interest and costs.

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