Vigil to mark anniversary of teen’s death

By BOB WHITE

bwhite@thenewsenteprise.com

RADCLIFF — Martha Gradick misses her “Lena,” but the 1 1/2-year-old granddaughter she now cares for is a regular reminder of her deceased daughter.

Alena Lee Ann Cunningham, Gradick’s 18-year-old daughter, died last May 6 after an argument left her fatally wounded with a gunshot to the shoulder. She was five months pregnant.

While Gradick’s “Lena” has been gone for a year Tuesday, the fiery, high-spirited, opinionated young mother does not go unremembered by her mother, her former boyfriend or the other friends who loved her.

In memory of Cunningham, Gradick has planned a memorial vigil Tuesday at the same Elmwood Drive apartment parking lot where Alena was shot.

“I know it’s been a year,” Gradick said emotionally, “but I just miss her.”

The memorial service begins at 6 p.m. and Gradick said anyone who knew and loved Cunningham is welcome to attend.

Gradick foresees the vigil producing as much a display as there was following Cunningham’s death. The day she died, friends and family brought candles to the place she fell.

The teen accused of firing the fatal shot at Cunningham, Andrew Lamont “Country” Edelen, is scheduled to go to trial June 23 on murder and fetal homicide charges. He’s been jailed in Hardin County’s Detention Center since the shooting.

Bob White can be reached at (270) 505-1750.