MEMPHIS, Tenn. (TCN) — A 20-year-old man wanted on suspicion of fatally shooting a man in April was captured after he fell through the ceiling while hiding from law enforcement.
According to WREG-TV, on April 2, Memphis Police Department officers received a call about a fight near Hollywood Street and responded to the area to investigate. While on scene, they reportedly heard shots and noticed people running away. Officers soon found Troy Cunningham on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Surveillance footage obtained by Memphis Police allegedly showed men getting in a fight with Cunningham and shooting at him as he ran away. One of the suspects reportedly pointed the gun at a passing car, which caused a bullet to strike a female passenger.
Two suspects, Jarius Hibbler and TaMarius Barron, were arrested in connection with Cunningham’s death. Investigators issued a warrant for Deario Wilkerson’s arrest because he fled after the shooting.
On Aug. 26, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force were able to trace Wilkerson to a residence on North Merton Street. They surrounded the home and searched the residence as Wilkerson hid in the attic. The U.S. Marshals Service said Wilkerson “fell through the ceiling,” and they apprehended him without incident. Wilkerson did not sustain any injuries in the fall.
Memphis murder #Fugitive, Deario Wilkerson, tried to hide in the attic. He was captured by U.S. Marshals after he fell through the ceiling. pic.twitter.com/ZhQJp4Sbo2
@USMSMemphis
He was taken into custody on charges of first-degree murder and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon.
The U.S. Marshals shared photos from the incident, showing a large hole in the ceiling and broken drywall.
Shelby County Jail records show Wilkerson is being held on $3 million bond.