Michael R. Cushingberry charged with killing Steven L. James during drug deal

Michael R. Cushingberry was charged Thursday with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting Steven L. James in the back of the head and killing him during a drug deal.

James’ decomposing body was found in an apartment at 8803 Millwood Drive on April 12. The manager of the apartment complex hadn’t seen the 37-year-old James for days.

An autopsy on James’ body showed that he had been shot in the head.

Court records say a tipster told homicide detectives in June 2009 that a man named “Mike” had told him that he had “taken care of” the victim. In December 2009, the tipster identified “Mike” as 27-year-old Cushingberry.