Nationwide — Jayla Cunningham, a 19-year-old African American hairstylist from Laurel, Maryland, was sentenced to five years in prison after dragging a 15-year-old client over a payment dispute. The incident, caught on video and widely shared online, led to her conviction for second-degree assault.
Cunningham ran a home-based salon and had styled the teen’s hair for $150. When the client tried to leave without paying, Cunningham dragged her across the floor and used scissors on the hairstyle, according to prosecutors. The video posted online became key evidence in court.
The teen’s mother filed charges soon after the incident. According to The Washington Post, court documents said Cunningham told the girl “not to move until I get my money” and approached her with scissors. Cunningham later admitted in a video that she had dragged the girl and cut her hair, though she denied intending physical harm.
At trial, Cunningham’s lawyer argued she acted to protect her business and livelihood. He noted Cunningham had lost her salon, apartment, and faced mental health struggles at the time. He also said she needed business training and anger management, not prison.
Judge Michael Pearson sentenced Cunningham to five years in prison, followed by probation. She must complete anger management and mental health treatment. Pearson acknowledged that Cunningham was not a “bad person” but said her disregard for the young client was unacceptable. She was taken into custody immediately due to a separate court matter.