Mistrial Declared in Case Against Former Phoenix Police Officer

The officer and his wife were accused of being involved in the death of their 7-year-old daughter in 2017.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a medical device or piece of evidence related to the Cunningham case, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A harsh flash-lit close-up of a medical device or piece of evidence from the Cunningham case exposes the gritty details of this tragic family tragedy.Phoenix Today

A mistrial was declared in the case against Germayne Cunningham, a former Phoenix police officer, and his wife Lisa, who were accused of being involved in the death of their 7-year-old daughter Sanaa in 2017. Prosecutors alleged the couple failed to provide medical care for Sanaa, who died from cardiac arrest due to sepsis, and had been abusing her in the months leading up to her death.

Why it matters

The case raised concerns about the handling of child abuse allegations and the responsibility of parents, especially those in positions of authority, to provide proper medical care for their children. The mistrial means the case may be retried, leaving the family and community still seeking answers and justice.

The details

In March 2016, a report was made to the Arizona Department of Child Safety that Sanaa might be being neglected. In February 2017, Sanaa was taken to a hospital and later died from cardiac arrest as a result of sepsis. Prosecutors alleged that text messages recovered from the couple's phones suggested the child was being restrained and locked up in their home. The defense argued there was no evidence the father suspected his daughter was seriously ill and emphasized he is not a medical professional.

  • In March 2016, a report was made to the Arizona Department of Child Safety about possible neglect of Sanaa.
  • In February 2017, Sanaa was taken to a hospital and later died from cardiac arrest as a result of sepsis.

The players

Germayne Cunningham

A former Phoenix police officer who was accused, along with his wife, of being involved in the death of their 7-year-old daughter Sanaa.

Lisa Cunningham

The wife of Germayne Cunningham, who was also accused of being involved in the death of their 7-year-old daughter Sanaa.

Sanaa Cunningham

The 7-year-old daughter of Germayne and Lisa Cunningham, who died from cardiac arrest as a result of sepsis in 2017.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There was no evidence to indicate the father suspected his daughter was seriously ill and emphasized how the defendant is not a medical professional.”

— Germayne's defense counsel

What’s next

It is unclear at this time whether the case will be retried.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding child abuse allegations, the responsibility of parents to provide proper medical care, and the challenges of prosecuting such cases, especially when they involve individuals in positions of authority.