The city of Roanoke, Virginia, is reeling from the devastating loss of Isaac “Ike” Lamonte Cunningham, a 43-year-old father who was fatally shot in the early hours of Sunday, August 3, 2025. The tragedy strikes an especially painful chord for his family, as Cunningham’s 15-year-old son, Isaac Ikier Cunningham, was also killed by gun violence just over a year ago, in June 2024. The back-to-back losses have left a grieving family and a shaken community searching for answers, as the Roanoke Police Department works diligently to uncover the circumstances surrounding this latest act of violence.
The shooting occurred shortly after midnight in the 200 block of 12th Street SW, a quiet residential area in southwest Roanoke. At approximately 12:28 a.m., police responded to reports of gunfire and arrived to find Cunningham outside a vehicle, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The image of a father struck down in the dead of night has left an indelible mark on the community, prompting an outpouring of grief and renewed calls for action against the city’s persistent struggle with gun violence.
Cunningham’s identity was confirmed by a family member, who shared the heartbreaking connection to his son’s death the previous year. In June 2024, 15-year-old Isaac Ikier Cunningham, a sophomore at William Fleming High School, was fatally shot while walking home from school in the 3500 block of Ferncliff Avenue Northwest. His mother, Kierston Turner Cole, described him as the family’s “rock,” a vibrant teenager who loved anime, gaming, and boxing, and always helped others with a smile. A juvenile suspect was charged with second-degree murder in that case, with authorities indicating that the teen would be tried as an adult. Court documents revealed that the investigation into the younger Isaac’s death was ongoing, with evidence suggesting multiple individuals were involved.
The loss of both father and son to gun violence within such a short time has amplified the community’s anguish. Roanoke, a city of roughly 100,000 residents, has faced a troubling rise in violent crime in recent years. In 2023, the city recorded 31 non-fatal shootings and multiple homicides, with several incidents involving juveniles. The shooting of Isaac Cunningham marks another grim chapter in this ongoing challenge, as police reported it as one of three shootings that occurred over the weekend of August 1-3, 2025, one of which was fatal.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with Cunningham’s death. The Roanoke Police Department is actively investigating, combing through evidence and interviewing witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Authorities have not released details about a possible motive or whether the incident was targeted, leaving many questions unanswered. The department has issued a public plea for information, urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact them at (540) 344-8500. Anonymous tips are also being accepted, reflecting the urgency of bringing those responsible to justice.
The Cunningham family’s double tragedy has sparked renewed conversations about gun violence and community safety in Roanoke. Advocates and residents alike are calling for stronger measures to address the root causes of such incidents, from increased youth programs to stricter enforcement of gun laws. For now, the focus remains on supporting the grieving family and seeking closure in a case that has left a city mourning yet again.
