Accused killer hides from cops in attic, then crashes through ceiling, TN officials say

An accused killer hiding in the attic during a law enforcement sweep was discovered when he fell through the ceiling, Tennessee authorities said.

Deario Wilkerson, 20, was charged with first-degree murder and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon in connection with the death of Troy Cunningham, the U.S. Marshals said in an Aug. 26 news release.

His attorney information was not available in Shelby County records as of Aug. 27.

On April 2, Wilkerson was part of a group that’s accused of confronting Cunningham before fatally shooting him as he ran away, the Memphis Police Department said in an arrest affidavit.

Jarius Hibbler and Tamarius Barron also face murder charges in the case, records show.

A warrant for Wilkerson’s arrest was issued May 9, but he evaded capture until a U.S. Marshals fugitive task force adopted the case, authorities said.

On Aug. 26, U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement said they tracked Wilkerson to a Memphis home a block from where Cunningham was found dead.

As authorities surrounded and searched the home, Wilkerson is accused of hiding in the attic.

But the ceiling gave way and he crashed to the floor, law enforcement said. Photos shared by the U.S. Marshals Service Memphis indicate he landed in the kitchen.

Authorities said he wasn’t seriously injured from the fall and was taken into custody.

This story was originally published August 27, 2024 at 2:32 PM with the headline "Accused killer hides from cops in attic, then crashes through ceiling, TN officials say."