HINESVILLE, Ga. — Private First Class Zachary Kyle Cunning, a 21-year-old U.S. Army military police officer stationed at Fort Stewart, has bonded out of jail less than three weeks after being charged in connection with the death of his 3-month-old son.
Cunning was arrested on September 18, 2025, by the Hinesville Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, 13 days after emergency crews responded to a call about an unresponsive infant at the family’s home on the 900 block of Berkshire Terrace.
Police reports indicate that officers arrived at the scene around 2 p.m. on September 5 and immediately began CPR. Liberty County EMS arrived shortly after to continue life-saving efforts, but the child — identified by family as Hayden Cunning — was later pronounced dead.
According to Liberty County court and jail records, Cunning faces two felony charges:
- Murder in the Second Degree (O.C.G.A. §16-5-1)
- Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree (O.C.G.A. §16-5-70(c)), relating to criminal negligence causing excessive physical or mental pain.
Cunning initially remained in the Liberty County Jail without bond. On October 7, however, he was granted bond under strict conditions that include:
- Reporting to the court every two weeks until the case’s conclusion,
- Notifying officials of any changes in address, employment, or contact information, including any military PCS orders, and
- Remaining within the state of Georgia for the duration of the proceedings.
He spent just under 20 days in custody before release.
Publicly, members of Cunning’s family have denied the allegations, maintaining that he is innocent and that details surrounding the child’s death have been misrepresented.
Cunning’s mother and brother have both issued social media statements defending him, while his wife, Carly Overmyer, has remained largely silent since his arrest.
Before his arrest, Cunning shared emotional posts mourning his son’s death, writing:
“…this hurts to post… but you’re in a better place now my lil man. Imma miss u so much… words can’t describe the pain I feel… you were my guiding light to keep pushing through so much.”
Overmyer previously launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral and memorial expenses, describing Hayden as “a sweet angel sent from heaven to us.” The fundraiser had raised just over $600 of a $5,000 goal as of late September.
As of this publication, Fort Stewart’s Public Affairs Office has not issued a statement regarding Cunning’s arrest or his current status within the U.S. Army. It is unclear whether he has retained private counsel or been assigned a military defense attorney.
Court documents reviewed by The Salty Soldier show no future hearing date set, though updates are expected as the case moves through Liberty County Superior Court.
Editor’s Note:
This case remains under investigation. The Salty Soldier will continue following developments as more details become available from both civilian and military authorities.
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