(MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: April 17, 2026): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a five-day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Michael CUNNINGHAM, formerly of Kane, was convicted in the overdose death of a Kane man in 2022.

On August 11, 2022, a Kane man was found deceased from an apparent drug overdose at an apartment in Kane. Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Eric Thompson assumed control of the scene and the investigation. 

CUNNINGHAM was identified as a suspect from witness interviews, and his vehicle matched the description of the vehicle seen meeting with the victim prior to his death. Trooper Thompson found a “bundle” of controlled substances at the scene.  A bundle is the term used to describe a packet of individual baggies of either fentanyl or heroin tied together.  This is the common way fentanyl and heroin are packaged for sale. Lab results identified the contents as fentanyl – an extremely potent – and often deadly- drug that is both commonly mixed with other street drugs and sold on its own. The bundle was found to contain the DNA of CUNNINGHAM.

Trooper Thompson was able to recover electronic communication records that depicted discussion between CUNNINGHAM and the victim where CUNNINGHAM agreed to sell a “bundle” to the victim. Agent Frederick Myers of the Attorney General’s Office provided expert testimony about the packaging of fentanyl and lingo used in drug trafficking including terminology related to drug packaging, potency, and use of stamped logos by drug traffickers. The fentanyl bags at the scene had a unique logo.

Throughout the week-long trial, the jurors heard from numerous witnesses including Dr. Eric Vey who performed the autopsy and told the jury that the amount of fentanyl in the victim’s blood was many times higher than the lethal amount.  He also found that the victim died nearly immediately after using the fentanyl because the lab results showed that the body had not had time to metabolize the fentanyl.  Dr. Vey ruled the death a drug overdose by fentanyl toxicity.

CUNNINGHAM was found guilty of Drug Delivery Resulting in Death (Felony 1); Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Felony); Criminal Use of a Communication Facility (Felony 3); and Recklessly Endangering Another Person (misdemeanor 2).  He was acquitted of an additional count of Involuntary Manslaughter (misdemeanor 1).  Sentencing is scheduled for June 4, 2026. 

If you suffer from addiction, local services are available and include Maple Manor (814) 642-9522 and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services (814) 362-6517.