MARTIN, TN – Authorities in northwest Tennessee are investigating the fatal shooting of a Weakley County sheriff’s deputy who was killed while responding to a series of 911 calls early Tuesday morning.

Khristi Cunningham, 44, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Deputy Derrick Bonham, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Investigators allege Cunningham orchestrated a sequence of events that ended in a deadly encounter at a local gas station.

Shortly after 3 a.m. on Jan. 30, officers with the Martin Police Department reached out to the Weakley County Sheriff’s Office for assistance regarding reports of gunfire at the Days Inn on University Street. The motel, situated in Martin, is located about 145 miles northwest of Nashville.

Court documents indicate Cunningham is believed to have fired a weapon at the Days Inn and then placed a 911 call to report the incident herself. Authorities say after making the call, she drove a mile down the road to a Pocket’s convenience store, apparently watching for the law enforcement response.

While law enforcement had begun searching for the person making the calls, Cunningham reportedly made several additional 911 calls, some of which she disconnected before dispatchers could gather more information. A sheriff’s dispatcher informed Deputy Bonham that the individual they were seeking was believed to be at the Pocket’s store.

Bonham went to the location, looking for witnesses and the source of the distress calls. Officials said that as Bonham approached, Cunningham was on the phone with 911.

Investigators say that, while details are still emerging, Cunningham produced a firearm and shot Bonham. Body camera footage reviewed by authorities shows that after the initial gunfire, Cunningham continued shooting as Bonham was on the ground. Investigators added that the suspect also fired in the direction of other responding officers, though no one else was injured.

Responding, Martin police officers moved quickly to take Cunningham into custody at the convenience store. Bonham was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The shooting has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community and the tight-knit Martin area. Weakley County Sheriff Terry McDade called the death of Deputy Bonham a heartbreaking event for the department and the county.

Bonham, 37, is remembered as a devoted husband and father of three. Colleagues described him as kind and humble, a deputy dedicated to protecting his community.

Authorities say the events and motives surrounding the shooting remain under investigation. Cunningham is currently being held as she awaits further court proceedings.