Murder Suspect’s Unusual Hiding Spot Betrayed Him During Search

A Tennessee murder suspect’s unusual hiding spot ultimately led to his capture, according to a news release from the U.S. Marshals Service.

Deario Wilkerson, 20, was being sought by federal agents for his suspected involvement in the April 2 shooting of Troy Cunningham, 27. Cunningham was found at an intersection in North Memphis, TN with a gunshot wound to the back of his head, per a news release from the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office.

Authorities allege that Wilkerson and two other suspects stole Cunningham’s pistol and began shooting at him. Several bullets struck the windshield of a passing car carrying two women, and one pierced the driver’s shoulder. They were able to escape, and she was brought to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

On May 9, following the arrest of suspects Tamarius Barron and Jarius Hibbler, a warrant was issued for Wilkerson’s arrest 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’s Fugitive Apprehension Teams descended upon Wilkerson’s North Memphis address. As authorities searched the residence, Wilkerson made his way into the attic and fit himself into a small space just above the home’s kitchen.

Unfortunately, the ceiling was not built to harbor murder suspects, and it summarily collapsed. Wilkerson tumbled through the ceiling into the kitchen just as deputies were searching the room. “Wilkerson was not injured from the fall and was taken into custody with no further incident,” the U.S. Marshals Service explained.

Video of the April 2 incident reviewed by WREG reportedly shows Hibbler pointing a gun at the victim while a person believed to be Wilkerson “lunged” at him, beginning a physical confrontation. Cunningham fell to the ground, at which point a man believed to be Wilkerson ran to his side and grabbed something from the victim. Cunningham gets up and runs away as the two suspects fire their weapons at him.

It’s unclear if Wilkerson has appeared before a judge. The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Men’s Journal.