‘Taken too soon’: Community raises funds after Niagara Falls father slain in killing spree

Community members are raising funds for the family of a Niagara Falls man who police say was targeted at random in an alleged killing spree that took place over three days in Toronto, Niagara and Hamilton. 

Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati took to social media on Monday to share a GoFundMe campaign seeking to raise $15,000 for the family of Lance Cunningham, a 47-year-old husband and father who was found suffering from critical injuries in John Allan Park last Wednesday. 

Terribly saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Lance Cunningham here in our @NiagaraFalls community. If you're able & willing to help out this grieving family, follow the GoFundMe link below to donate. https://t.co/Y09ynZwtk9

— Jim Diodati (@jimdiodati) October 7, 2024

Cunningham, a chef at the Fallsview Casino, was fatally stabbed in a random act of violence while walking his dogs. 

Police said first responders attempted life-saving measures upon but were unable to revive him. He was declared dead at the scene. 

“As you all know, Lance was the victim of a horrific death on October 2nd,” the campaign website, set up on behalf of Cunningham’s wife, Kim, reads.  

“Taken too soon from his family, wife, daughter, friends and coworkers. A senseless death that has stunned the whole community. Let’s show our support to his wife and daughter at this painful time.” 

A 30-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with Cunningham’s murder, along with the murders of two other people that took place over a three-day period last week. 

On Oct. 1, police were called to a home in the Keele Street and Dundas Street West area in Toronto and found a 60-year-old woman dead, with signs of “visible trauma.” On Oct. 2, Cunningham was killed and on Oct. 3, Hamilton Police were called to an apartment building at 209 McNab Street, where they found Mario Bilich, 77, suffering stab wounds. 

Paramedics rushed Bilich to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators linked the murders in Hamilton and Niagara Falls due to a matching suspect description, which they then connected to the Toronto case.

Niagara Police later arrested Sabrina Kauldhar in Burlington.

Police say the accused has been charged with first-degree murder in the Hamilton homicide and second-degree murder in the Toronto and Niagara investigations. Investigators believe Bilich and Cunningham were randomly targeted, while the Toronto victim was known to the suspect.

Police are asking anyone with any information or who might have seen the accused between Oct. 1 and her arrest on Oct. 3 at 5:45 p.m. in Burlington to come forward.

Detectives are also attempting to identify a woman who was observed on CCTV footage on Oct. 1 at the Giant Tiger located at 2025 Guelph Line in Burlington, buying clothing that Kauldhar had in her possession at the time of her arrest.

As of 4:50 p.m. on Oct. 7, the fundraiser surpassed its goal, with close to 200 people donating. 

– with files from Liam McConnell