Fugitive Murder Suspect Falls Through Ceiling and Into Hands of US Marshals

A months-long manhunt for a Memphis murder suspect came to an unexpected end when 20-year-old Deario Wilkerson fell through the ceiling of a home while trying to hide from authorities in August 2024. Wilkerson, who was wanted for first-degree murder and reckless endangerment, had been on the run since April 2024. But his attempt to hide in an attic failed miserably when the ceiling gave way, sending him through the roof and directly into the custody of U.S. marshals.

Murder and the Missing Glock

The case against Wilkerson stems from a shooting on April 2, 2024, that left Troy Cunningham dead, and another woman injured. Local police were responding to a disturbance near an apartment complex in North Memphis when they heard gunfire. Soon after, Cunningham was found on a nearby sidewalk with a gunshot wound to the back of his head. Wilkerson was one of three men connected to the crime.

Surveillance footage captured the events leading up to the shooting. The footage allegedly shows 19-year-old Jarius Hibbler, wearing a blue hoodie, pointing a handgun at Troy Cunningham, prompting Cunningham to raise his hands in the air. Moments later, Wilkerson lunged at Cunningham, and the two began fighting. Cunningham eventually broke free and ran along Peres Street, but two men fired at him as he fled. After Cunningham collapsed, Wilkerson was seen picking something up from the ground before leaving the scene. A woman at the scene reported hearing several people say they were going to take Cunningham's Glock handgun.

A passing vehicle containing two women was also hit by the gunfire, with one woman sustaining a non-critical shoulder injury that was treated at a local hospital.

Authorities arrested the two other suspects in May 2024, the same month a warrant was issued for Wilkerson, who managed to evade capture for several more months — until he fell through a roof.

Ceiling Collapse Ends Months-Long Manhunt

The U.S. Marshals Service, along with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office and Memphis Police Department, had been searching for Wilkerson since the warrant was issued. On Aug. 26, 2024, they finally tracked him to a home in Memphis.

As officers surrounded the residence and announced their presence, they heard loud noises coming from inside the home. Moments later, authorities heard a loud crash — the sound of Wilkerson falling through the ceiling and onto the floor.

Despite the fall, Wilkerson was uninjured and taken into custody without incident. He was later booked into the Shelby County Jail, facing charges of first-degree murder and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon.

Justice Falls Into Place

Wilkerson's arrest marks the final chapter in a case that took months to bring all responsible parties to justice. While his two alleged accomplices were quickly caught, he managed to evade law enforcement for nearly four months. But in the end, his attempt to hide only made it easier for authorities to find and apprehend him.

References: After months on the run, a murder suspect falls through the ceiling and into custody | Fugitive murder suspect falls through ceiling trying to evade US marshals in Memphis | Deadly shooting was over stealing man's weapon, police say