GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — Amanda Cunningham, who pled guilty to three counts in connection to the robbery and death of 31-year-old Buddy Cates, was sentenced Tuesday in a Mesa County Courtroom.
Cunningham was one of five suspects captured on surveillance video surprising Cates in his hotel room at the Days Inn off Horizon Drive in June 2022.
Scott Cunningham, father to Amanda, told WesternSlopeNow he believes Amanda's regret is sincere.
"I think she has remorse for Buddy's family and she wished this wouldn't have happened."
Scott tells WesternSlopeNow he believes his daughter, who served time on four prior felony convictions, will take things day by day.
"She can't take it back, but she's gonna try to... do the best she can from now on."
Mesa County District Attorney Dan Rubinstein sent WesternSlopeNow a statement after today's hearing.
"We were very pleased Mrs. Cunningham accepted responsibility for her role. We look forward to getting to trial for the fifth and final co-defendant in the case."
Sentences handed down to others convicted in the robbery and murder of Buddy Cates range from six to 20 years. The fifth and final co-defendant, Cory Davis, is scheduled to appear in a Mesa County Courtroom in early July.