A murder suspect was apprehended by U.S. Marshals after he fell through a ceiling while hiding in an attic. On Monday, 26 August, the U.S. Marshals Service announced the capture of 20-year-old Deario Wilkerson, following an arrest warrant issued for his involvement in a fatal shooting in Memphis.
Authorities stated that Wilkerson played a role in the death of Troy Cunningham on 2 April. Since the alleged incident, Wilkerson had managed to avoid law enforcement. The task force tracking him located him in a Memphis residence.
During the search, Wilkerson fell through the ceiling from the attic where he was concealing himself. “Wilkerson attempted to hide in the attic as the USMS searched the residence; however, he fell through the ceiling,” the U.S. Marshals Service reported. Wilkerson was unharmed by the fall and was taken into custody without further issues.
Memphis murder #Fugitive, Deario Wilkerson, tried to hide in the attic. He was captured by U.S. Marshals after he fell through the ceiling. pic.twitter.com/ZhQJp4Sbo2
— U.S. Marshals Service Memphis (@USMSMemphis) August 26, 2024
He became the third suspect arrested in connection with Cunningham’s death, following the arrests of Jarius Hibbler and Tamarius Barron in May. Per a press release from the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office, police had responded to a disturbance at an apartment complex and heard multiple gunshots.
Upon investigating, officers found Cunningham deceased on a sidewalk with a gunshot wound to his head. During the incident, stray bullets hit a vehicle carrying two women, one of whom suffered a shoulder wound. A news agency has contacted the Memphis Police Department and the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office for comments.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The New York Times reports on the arrest of Deario Wilkerson, a 20-year-old charged with first-degree murder, who fell through a ceiling while hiding in an attic, leading to his capture.(read more)
- The Guardian reports on Deario Wilkerson, a murder suspect who fell through the ceiling of a Tennessee home, leading to his arrest.(read more)
- NBC News reports that a 20-year-old murder suspect, Deario Wilkerson, was arrested after falling through a ceiling in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was hiding from authorities.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
How was the murder suspect caught?
The suspect fell through a ceiling while hiding in an attic.
When was Deario Wilkerson captured?
He was captured on Monday, Aug. 26.
What was Deario Wilkerson wanted for?
He was wanted for the fatal shooting of Troy Cunningham.
Were there other arrests related to Troy Cunningham’s death?
Yes, Jarius Hibbler and Tamarius Barron were arrested in May.
Was anyone else injured during the incident?
Yes, a woman sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder from stray gunfire.