The Atlanta Police Department continues to search for missing CDC epidemiologist Dr. Timothy J. Cunningham. The well-liked and prominent Atlanta professional was last seen at work two weeks ago when he reportedly told co-workers he was not feeling well. A press conference was held by APD spokesperson, Ofc. Mike O’Connor, who said that Cunningham’s disappearance had attracted unprecedented media attention for a missing person’s case. O’Conner seemed almost dumbfounded as he revealed details that were previously unknown to the public.
According to O’Connor, Dr. Cunningham recently found out that he would not receive a promotion to a branch manager position in the Division of Population Health National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. On Feb. 12, he had a meeting with his supervisor to learn why he did not get the job. Shortly after the meeting, he stated he did not feel well and was going home. Police are reviewing footage from the parking area to determine if Cunningham actually drove himself home. When his family could not reach him on Feb. 14, they reported him missing and his father drove from another state to his son’s residence in Chamblee, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta.
Cunningham’s car was in the driveway and the door was locked. However, inside Cunningham’s dog, Bojangles, was left unattended and his keys, wallet, and cellphone were in the home. In addition, there were two upstairs windows open but otherwise, the house was undisturbed. O’Conner said that police have canvassed the neighborhood, including a nearby cemetery for answers to a disappearance he described as bizarre.
When a reporter asked if the possibility that Cunningham committed suicide was being looked into, O’Connor said they were exploring all possibilities. Reportedly, nothing in Cunningham’s work involved any top secret information or duties, contrary to multiple conspiracy theories that have emerged on social media.
Cunningham is described as about 5 feet 11 inches tall and 230 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information on his location is asked to call 911 or Atlanta’s Adult Missing Persons Unit at 404-546-4235 immediately.
