Suspect Who Had Been Hiding for Months Arrested After Falling from Ceiling
The U.S. Marshals Service agents arrested a suspect hiding in the ceiling of a house after falling through.
On August 26, 2024, the 20-year-old suspect identified as Deario Wilkerson was finally arrested by U.S. Marshals Service agents after months on the run.
Wilkerson had been evading authorities following an arrest warrant issued for charges of first-degree murder and reckless endangerment linked to an April 2, 2024, shooting in Memphis, Tennessee.
The shooting resulted in the death of Troy Cunningham and injuries to a woman who was struck in the shoulder.
Police responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment complex, where they found Cunningham lying on the sidewalk with a fatal gunshot wound to the back of his head.
Surveillance footage revealed Wilkerson confronting Cunningham before two other individuals opened fire. The suspects also shot at a passing car carrying two women, one of whom was injured but later stabilized.
Wilkerson was seen on video approaching Cunningham after he collapsed, taking an item that had fallen from him, and fleeing the scene.
While the two other suspects were apprehended in May 2024, Wilkerson managed to evade capture until August. Acting on a tip, authorities searched a house on N. Merton Street in Memphis, reportedly owned by one of his relatives.
Initially, they couldn’t locate him inside the home. However, as they prepared to leave, a surprising twist happened, Wilkerson fell through the attic ceiling, leaving a large hole and scattering plaster debris on the floor.
Despite the dramatic fall, the suspect was uninjured and surrendered without resistance. Photos taken after the arrest showed the damage caused by his attempt to hide.
Now detained in Shelby County Jail, Wilkerson faces multiple charges. The court has set his bail at $6 million as he awaits trial.