US suspect falls through ceiling as police search his home
The US Marshals Service provided this image of a broken ceiling
- Published
For months, authorities in Tennessee were on the hunt for a fugitive, wanted in connection with an April murder in Memphis.
They found him on Monday, after he fell through the ceiling of the home in which he was hiding.
Deario Wilkerson, 20, was uninjured after he came crashing down from his attic hiding place, the US Marshals Service said in a statement.
Mr Wilkerson was taken into custody on charges of first-degree murder and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon.
He was one of three suspects identified in connection with the fatal shooting of Troy Cunningham in Memphis on 2 April, the US Marshals Service said.
The three men allegedly stole Mr Cunningham's gun, according to the Shelby County District Attorney. He was then shot in the back in the head as he tried to flee.
The two other suspects have already been arrested and charged, the prosecutor's office said. Mr Wilkerson's arrest warrant had been issued in May.
His case was later transferred to a fugitive investigation by the US Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force in Memphis.
He was tracked to a residence in Memphis, and authorities surrounded the home.
Mr Wilkerson attempted to hide in the attic before falling through the ceiling.
It is not yet clear if he has obtained the services of a lawyer. He has not yet entered a plea.