Teacher Slain In Plainfield, Husband Suspected Of Killing Her Walks Into Traffic
Updated 10/21/15 - 6:25 p.m.
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A physical education teacher at Plainfield North High School was stabbed to death Tuesday night, and her husband -- who is suspected of killing her -- died a short time later when he apparently stepped into traffic.
Police said Susan Cunningham, 47, had been having domestic issues with her estranged husband, and called police Tuesday night to say she was going back to the home she used to share with him and their two children to pick up some personal belongings.
Plainfield Police Sgt. Kevin McQuaid said Cunningham was told an officer could accompany her, but she declined.
About half an hour later, police went to the home on a well-being check, and found Cunningham inside with multiple stab wounds. She was unresponsive, and not breathing, and was pronounced dead at Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora.
A short time later, her husband, 46-year-old Craig Cunningham, who is suspected of killing her, was hit by a truck and a car on I-55. Police said he had walked into traffic, taking his own life.
"He had actually called one of his relatives and actually admitted to killing Susan and basically indicated he was not going to go to jail and that he was going to kill himself," said Plainfield Police Chief John Konopek.
Susan Cunningham was on medical leave from her teaching position at Plainfield North at the time. The couple had two children, but police said no one else was at the home at the time of the murder.
A community vigil was held Plainfield North H.S.
"You hear all the time about 'she's a wonderful person or a great person' but in this case, I can't say anything other than that," said principal Ray Epperson. "Everyone loved her, she was well-respected."
Grief counselors were at the high school to help stunned teachers and students work through their grief.
"In the age of accountability and testing, for teachers to take the time out to know the students personally and care about them as individuals is a great quality."
