Woman sentenced to 18 years for role in death of suspected drug dealer | Western Colorado

The fourth of five defendants accused of murdering a suspected drug dealer in April 2022 during a robbery gone wrong at the Days Inn motel on Horizon Drive was sentenced to 18 years in the Department of Corrections Tuesday.

Amanda Cunningham, 34, is accused of participating in the attempted robbery of 31-year-old Buddy Cates, during which Cates ended up dead.

Cunningham told the court Tuesday she has spent the last two years in jail reflecting on her lifestyle, and wants to take responsibility by pleading guilty in the case. She said her goal is to better herself while in the Department of Corrections.

“I know that I am a good person, but I also know that without proper healing, rehabilitation and guidance I won’t have a good chance,” Cunningham said.

Cates was found dead on the floor of his hotel room April 23, 2022 after police responded to reports of gunshots in the area. Police said video from the hotel shows four people — Cunningham, Cory Davis, K.C. Hatley and Lanea Cameron — forcing their way into the room, and audible pops can be heard, but video does not show what happened in the room.

Cunningham, who knew Cates personally, remembered his better qualities in her statement.

A charge of second degree murder was dropped as Cunningham pleaded guilty to three lesser felonies, the combined consecutive sentences of which are 18 years.

The range for the plea agreement was 18-22 years in the Department of Corrections. Cunningham’s attorneys asked for 18 years and the prosecution asked for 22 years.

Judge Brian Flynn said in sentencing he tries to balance all the wants of all the parties involved, and sometimes justice doesn’t mean the same thing for everybody.

“I think an 18-year sentence is appropriate,” Flynn said, citing Cunningham’s traumatic past, potential for rehabilitation and positive work done already while incarcerated.

A forensic social worker told the court Cunningham has a history of head injuries, and has led a tumultuous life, and that a lengthy prison sentence would not be the best thing for her.

Cates’ mother said in a letter that was read at the hearing that she understands that Cunningham has faced significant challenges and difficulties throughout her life, which may have contributed to her decisions, but she is 30-plus and must be accountable for her actions.

“The loss of my son has left an irreplaceable void in my life,” the letter read.

Cates’ daughter, who was 13 at time of his death also had a statement read at the hearing.

His daughter said they had been trying to work on their relationship before he died, and now that can’t happen.

“Now that my dad is gone, I’m scared other people in my life will die too,” the statement read.

Cunningham also had family members appear at the hearing on her behalf.

“Amanda is remorseful for what she’s done, she was friends with Buddy and is sad that he lost his life,” a letter written by Cunningham’s grandmother stated.

Cunningham is the fourth defendant to be sentenced in the incident. Lanea was sentenced to 20 years in prison in July 2023 for her role in the incident. Hatley was sentenced to 19 years in prison in December 2023. Brooke Ramsey, the driver for the other four, was sentenced to six years in community corrections in September 2023.

One other defendant, Davis, who is accused of being the shooter, is scheduled to begin trial July 1.