Fiancée of Rep. Brandon Cunningham and Paulding County Rep. Says Her World Is Shattered

PAULDING COUNTY, GA – Shayla Benson, the fiancee of Paulding County Sheriff's Deputy Brandon Cunningham, who was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in Hiram on Saturday, says she is heartbroken by her loss.

“He was my whole heart, as I was his,” Shayla Benson said.

Benson said Cunningham was the love of his life.

“He was my soulmate,” she said.

The two were engaged, but Saturday's shooting robbed her of her life with him.

“I did my best to reach it,” she said.

Benson is also a deputy with the Paulding County Sheriff's Office. She responded to the scene that night.

“Brandon and I never in a million years thought this would happen. We never talked about it,” she lamented. “I was always the one who was afraid. He was the most courageous person for me. He was my courage, he was my hero, he was my heart.”

She joined the procession of law enforcement officers who escorted Deputy Cunningham's body from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation headquarters in DeKalb County to Clark Funeral Home in Hiram Monday evening.

“Coming to the funeral home, making sure he gets home, makes me love this riding even more. I’ve been so proud to be an MP here and serve alongside him, but also to be a servant outside of here,” she said.

Benson's parents and brother were with her as she visited her fiancée's memorial Tuesday at the Paulding County Sheriff's Office.

“Being her brother, I took care of her my whole life. When Brandon came into her life, I didn't have to worry as much,” Trenton Benson said.

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As a deputy, Shayla Benson knows firsthand the dangers of policing, but nothing could have prepared her for this devastating loss.

“I just need people to know how amazing he was without the uniform,” Shayla said. “Outside of here, he was just a good person.”

March for MP Brandon Cunningham

In a poignant tribute, a cavalcade of law enforcement officers from multiple agencies accompanied the remains of Paulding County Deputy Brandon Cunningham from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation headquarters to Clark Funeral Home in Hiram Monday evening.

As the procession made its way to its destination, crowds of local residents gathered along the route, some arriving more than an hour early to pay their respects to the fallen congressman. People of all ages could be seen waving American flags and handmade signs, a silent testament to the deep respect and gratitude felt by the community for Cunningham’s dedication and ultimate sacrifice.

The outpouring of support underscored the strong bond between the Paulding County Sheriff's Office and the people it serves, as law enforcement officers and civilians stood together to mourn the untimely passing of Deputy Cunningham.

Memorial for MP Brandon Cunningham

A wave of mourning swept across Paulding County as the community paid tribute to Deputy Brandon Cunningham, who is fondly remembered for his unwavering service. At the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, signs of the community’s deep loss and solidarity were everywhere, as residents continued to decorate a sheriff’s patrol car with flowers and mementos, creating a spontaneous memorial in Cunningham’s honor.

In an emotional news conference, Sheriff Gary Gulledge expressed his gratitude for the community’s overwhelming support during this difficult time. “This county has always stood by this agency, always loved us and supported us,” Gulledge said, pausing to collect himself. The sadness in his voice underscored the community’s strong relationship with its law enforcement officers.

Reflecting on Deputy Cunningham’s role with the department, Sheriff Gulledge on Monday praised the fallen officer as an exemplary embodiment of the spirit of public service. “He never complained. He always had a smile on his face,” said the sheriff, whose memory was filled with the late deputy’s commitment and joy. “He would say, ‘Call me. I’ve got him. I’ll get him.’” Through shared stories and memories, law enforcement and community members continued to honor Deputy Cunningham’s dedication.

Paulding County Deputy Killed In Ambush Shooting

A domestic dispute Saturday night in Paulding County escalated when Deputy Brandon Cunningham was ambushed and killed shortly after arriving at the scene, authorities said. Authorities described the incident as a calculated attack by James Adkins, a 42-year-old assailant.

Mourning Cunningham, Maj. Ashley Henson recounted harrowing details of the incident at a news conference Monday. “When they arrived on scene, they were met with … malice. When Deputy Cunningham got to his vehicle, eight seconds after he got there, he was shot. He didn’t have time to shoot. He never had a chance to do anything,” Henson said, describing the incident as an act of pure malice.

The deadly scene took place in the Harmony Creek subdivision on Foggy Creek Lane, where responding officers were immediately struck by gunfire. Cunningham was fatally shot as he exited his patrol car. In a tragic turn of events, Adkins also shot his wife, 52-year-old Kim Thao Vu, and then killed herself. Vu was critically injured in the shooting and is currently fighting for her life. The community and law enforcement are in shock over the incident, which highlights the dangers officers face in the line of duty.

Fundraiser for MP Cunningham

A fundraiser has been launched to support Cunningham's family, including his wife and two young children.

Law enforcement has warned the public that scammers may try to profit from this tragedy. The only official and approved place to donate is here.

Funeral Service for MP Brandon Cunningham

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, followed by funeral services at 2 p.m. at West Ridge Church, 3522 Hiram Acworth Highway in Dallas.

The service will be handled by Clark Funeral Home.

Afterward, family, friends and Paulding County staff will proceed to Kennesaw Memorial Park for a private burial.