DODGE CITY, Kan. — Four years after a girl’s death, there’s an arrest in case. Three year-old Natalie Pickle died in November 2008 in Dodge City. At the time she was in the care of her mother’s boyfriend, Brock Cunningham.
Thursday afternoon, Cunningham was arrested and booked into the Ford County jail on suspicion of first degree murder and child abuse. A sergeant at the jail tells Eyewitness News that Cunningham bonded out. His bond was set at $75,000.
“The death of young Natalie Pickle over four years ago was a tragic loss,” said attorney Dan Monnat who represents Cunningham. “Brock had nothing to do with causing her death. Brock tried to save Natalie’s life that night. He has cooperated with law enforcement at the time of the investigation into Natalie’s death and told them he was innocent of any crime. Today, again, Brock says he’s innocent and will proceed to jury trial unless these accusations are otherwise dismissed.”
When Natalie died, Cunningham told investigators Natalie fell off the bed. She died the following day.
Dodge City police ruled it a homicide.
In previous interviews with Eyewitness News, Natalie’s mother said doctors told them the injuries were too severe to be caused by a fall from a bed.
“He told us this looked like something from a fall from a five story building,” said mother Amanda Perry. “This isn’t something you see from a two foot bed.”
Eyewitness News has reached out to the Ford County attorney for more information. Once details are available, we will bring them to you.
KWCH TV – By Kim Wilhelm