BELOIT, Ohio – A family in Canton is grappling with frustration and grief after their efforts to address threats made by Nicholas Cunningham of Alliance toward their loved ones did not prevent a tragic outcome. Michelle Hively believes that if Cunningham had been arrested or charged following those threats, her sister, Gena M. Wade, may still be alive today. Cunningham stands accused of the aggravated murder and burglary of Gena Wade at her rural home on Courtney Road in Beloit on October 26. The Mahoning County Homicide Task Force took action in November, ultimately leading to Cunningham’s indictment on various charges related to Wade’s death.
Cunningham currently resides in Heartland Behavioral Healthcare in Massillon, a state mental hospital where he receives treatment for mental illness. Despite the charges against him, Cunningham’s attorney entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, leading to an evaluation that found him unfit to stand trial. Hively expresses frustration over what she perceives as Cunningham using potential mental health issues to evade punishment, noting his past criminal history and conviction in Stark County in 2015.
The family had obtained civil stalking protection orders against Cunningham in March 2023 after he made threats directed at them. Despite their proactive measures, the protection order did not prevent Gena Wade’s tragic death, leaving the family devastated and seeking justice for her murder. The family had alerted the Smith Township Police Department about Cunningham’s threats in late February 2023, hoping for intervention and further protection, yet no action was taken at that time.
In addition to his unsettling behavior and threats, Cunningham’s attempt to purchase a firearm just two weeks prior to the homicide raises concerns about potential dangers he posed. The family, having discovered Cunningham’s troubling past involving a sex offense and classification as a sex offender, took steps to protect themselves and reported his threatening messages to the police. However, their efforts did not prevent the heartbreaking loss of Gena Wade, leaving them to grapple with the aftermath of her tragic death.
Hively and her fiance, Richard Hashman, recount their past interactions with Cunningham, highlighting their efforts to support him before his behaviors took a dark turn. Despite their empathy and assistance, they were met with alarming threats and dangerous actions from Cunningham, leading to a chain of events that culminated in a devastating loss for their family. The failure of authorities to act on the family’s concerns and the overall lack of accountability in Cunningham’s case further compound their grief and frustration.
As the family continues to seek justice for Gena Wade and grapple with the absence left by her tragic death, they emphasize the importance of taking threats seriously and ensuring that individuals like Cunningham are held accountable for their actions. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from overlooking warning signs and failing to intervene when potential dangers are present in our communities.