Cunningham gets life, no parole for apartment stabbing murders

Matthew Cunningham was sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison without the possibility of parole Friday morning.  

Cunningham, 30, had been previously found guilty of the first-degree murder of Robert Barker and Katharine Spain, along with two counts of aggravated assault and burglary during a knife-wielding spree through the Andante apartment complex in October 2004.  

The sentencing ends the long trial, which began last November. Defense attorney's for Cunningham argued that while he stabbed Barker and Spain to death, he was suffering from mental illness and wasn't responsible for his actions.  

Prosecutors said that Cunningham's actions had more to do with his addiction to drugs and alcohol. For more on the sentencing, see the March 26 issue of the Ahwatukee Foothills News or visit  www.ahwatukee.com.  

More Cunningham trial coverage:

Mar. 17 - Sentencing in apartment stabbings set for Friday

Feb. 26 - Cunnigham gets life

Feb. 20 - Cunningham addresses jury (Video link)

Feb. 14 - Jurors nearing final verdict in Cunningham trial

Feb. 11 - Cunningham jury hears statements from victims' families

Feb. 6 - Cunningham Jury to deliberate sentencing Thursday

Jan. 31 - Cunningham guilty in apartment murders

Jan. 29 - Cunningham's future in jury's hands

Jan. 25 - Defense's closing arguments set for Monday

Jan. 11 - Cunningham's illness not 'remarkably consistent'

Jan. 8 - Expert says Cunningham schizophrenic

Jan. 4 - Cunningham competent says judge

Dec. 21, 2007 - Defense finds challenge in proving Cunningham insane

Dec. 19, 2007 - Defense starts in Cunningham trial

Dec. 4, 2007 - Emotions high for victims' families in Cunningham trial

Nov. 27, 2007 - Cunningham murder trial commences

Oct. 30, 2007 - Jury selection begins in Cunningham murder trial

April 3, 2007 - Mental status could delay murder trial