A murder suspect who had been evading authorities for months was apprehended in a dramatic fashion in Memphis this week. The 20-year-old suspect, Deario Wilkerson, was wanted on charges of first-degree murder and reckless endangerment in connection with the homicide of Troy Cunningham.
Cunningham was tragically found dead on a North Memphis sidewalk in April with a gunshot wound to the back of his head. Wilkerson was one of three defendants charged in relation to the homicide.
After a warrant was issued for Wilkerson in May, the US Marshals' violent fugitive task force in Memphis initiated an investigation to locate him. On Monday, authorities tracked Wilkerson to a residence in Memphis, where they surrounded the home with deputy marshals, officers from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, and the Memphis Police Department.
During the operation, as authorities were at the front door announcing their presence, they heard noises coming from inside the house. Shortly after, a loud crash was heard, and it was revealed that Wilkerson had attempted to hide in the attic but fell through the ceiling.
Fortunately, Wilkerson was not injured during the fall and was taken into custody without further incident. He was subsequently booked into the Shelby County Jail. As of Thursday morning, Wilkerson did not have legal representation listed.
