A Tennessee murder suspect's unusual hiding place led to his capture, according to a press release from the U.S. Marshal Service.
Deario Wilkerson, 20, was wanted by federal agents on suspicion of involvement in the shooting of Troy Cunningham, 27, on April 2. Cunningham was found shot in the back of the head at an intersection in North Memphis, TN, according to a press release from the Shelby County District Attorney's Office.
Authorities allege Wilkerson and two other suspects stole Cunningham's gun and began shooting at him. Several bullets hit the windshield of a passing car carrying two women, with one pierced the driver's shoulder. They were able to escape, and the woman was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Following the arrest of suspects Tamarius Barron and Jarius Hibbler on May 9, an arrest warrant was issued for Wilkerson on charges of first-degree murder and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon.
On August 26, U.S. Marshals, assisted by the Shelby County Sheriff's Office and Memphis Police Department Fugitive Apprehension Teams, raided Wilkerson's North Memphis address. While authorities searched the home, Wilkerson entered the attic and squeezed into a small space just above the home's kitchen.
Unfortunately, the ceiling was not built to accommodate murder suspects and suddenly collapsed. Wilkerson fell from the ceiling into the kitchen while officers were searching the room. “Wilkerson was not injured in the fall and was taken into custody without further incident,” the U.S. Marshals Service said.
Video of April 2 incident reviewed BAD Hibbler reportedly pointed a gun at the victim when a man believed to be Wilkerson “jumped” at him and a physical confrontation ensued. Cunningham fell to the ground, at which point a man believed to be Wilkerson ran over and grabbed something from the victim. Cunningham got to his feet and ran away as two suspects fired their weapons at him.
It is unclear whether Wilkerson has appeared before a judge. The Shelby County District Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Men's Magazine.
