Goodyear PD's Evidence Tracking Issues Jeopardize High-Profile Murder Trial

Judge weighs dismissal or mistrial due to problems with police evidence management

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:54pm

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A Maricopa County Superior Court judge is considering whether to throw out a high-profile child murder case or declare a mistrial due to major issues with the Goodyear Police Department's tracking of evidence. After six months of trial, the judge paused proceedings after defense attorneys presented internal police documents showing widespread problems with the department's evidence tracking software, which impacts the chain of custody in this case and potentially many others.

Why it matters

This case highlights the critical importance of proper evidence handling and chain of custody procedures for criminal trials. If the judge dismisses the case or declares a mistrial, it would be a significant setback for the prosecution and raise questions about the integrity of the Goodyear Police Department's investigative practices.

The details

In a motion to dismiss, defense attorneys attached internal police documents that show Goodyear police detectives and other employees admitting to major issues with their evidence tracking software. These problems with the department's evidence management system have called into question the chain of custody for key evidence in the 2017 murder case against Germayne and Lisa Cunningham.

  • The trial has been ongoing for six months.
  • The judge paused the trial and will make a decision on Wednesday whether to dismiss the case or declare a mistrial.

The players

Judge Patricia Starr

A Maricopa County Superior Court judge presiding over the murder trial.

Germayne and Lisa Cunningham

The defendants charged in the 2017 child murder case.

Goodyear Police Department

The law enforcement agency whose evidence tracking issues have jeopardized the high-profile murder trial.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure that evidence is properly handled and accounted for to protect the integrity of our criminal justice system.”

— Judge Patricia Starr, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge

What’s next

The judge will make a decision on Wednesday whether to dismiss the case against the Cunninghams or declare a mistrial due to the Goodyear Police Department's evidence tracking issues.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for law enforcement agencies to have robust and reliable evidence management systems to maintain the chain of custody and preserve the integrity of criminal investigations and prosecutions. The potential dismissal or mistrial in this high-profile murder trial raises serious concerns about the Goodyear Police Department's investigative practices and the impact on public trust in the criminal justice system.