The US Marshals were in for quite a surprise when their murder suspect literally fell into their hands. Deario Wilkerson, a 20-year-old wanted in connection with a fatal shooting in Memphis, accidentally crashed through the ceiling of the house where he was hiding as law enforcement officers were searching the premises.
The fugitive task force had been tracking Wilkerson for months before finally locating him in a home on North Merton Street, not far from the scene of the murder. As they closed in on the property, Wilkerson attempted to evade capture by hiding in the attic. However, his plan went awry when he plummeted through the ceiling and landed on the floor right in front of the officers conducting the search.
Despite the dramatic entrance, Wilkerson emerged unscathed from his fall and was promptly arrested without further incident. The arrest brought an end to the extensive manhunt that began after Tennessee courts issued a warrant for Wilkerson’s arrest on a first-degree murder charge in connection with the killing of Troy Cunningham.
Cunningham’s body was discovered near the Cavalier Court Apartments in North Memphis, with a fatal gunshot wound to the back of his head. Two other suspects had already been apprehended in connection with the murder, leaving Wilkerson as the sole fugitive at large. Authorities finally caught up with him at a family member’s residence, where he was taken into custody.
In addition to the murder charge, Wilkerson is facing a slew of other charges, including reckless endangerment, tampering with evidence, reckless driving, vehicle burglary, gun theft, and evading arrest. He is currently being held at the Shelby County Jail on a hefty $6 million bail and is scheduled to appear in court for his hearing.
The unexpected turn of events and Wilkerson’s unconventional capture made headlines, showcasing the lengths law enforcement will go to apprehend a suspect. Despite his ill-fated attempt to evade arrest, Wilkerson now awaits his fate behind bars as the legal proceedings unfold.
