Deario Wilkerson, a murder suspect wanted for the death of Troy Cunningham, was captured by U.S. Marshals after he fell through a ceiling while hiding in an attic in Memphis.

The dramatic capture of Wilkerson marks a pivotal moment in the investigation of Troy Cunningham's homicide, which has raised concerns about community safety and violent crime in North Memphis. Wilkerson was charged with first-degree murder and reckless endangerment following Cunningham's shooting death in April, where stray gunfire also injured an innocent bystander. His arrest, the third in connection to this case, underscores ongoing law enforcement efforts to bring justice to Cunningham's family and restore a sense of security to the neighborhood.

Troy Cunningham was discovered deceased on April 2, lying on a sidewalk in North Memphis. The autopsy confirmed that he died of a gunshot wound to the back of his head, prompting an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. The violent nature of the incident and the randomness of the gunfire that also injured a woman in a nearby vehicle intensified the urgency of the police response and community concern.

In the aftermath of Cunningham's murder, the Memphis Police Department initiated a focused manhunt for Wilkerson, issuing a warrant for his arrest in May. The warrant was a result of exhaustive investigative efforts that aimed to hold those responsible for Cunningham's death accountable. Wilkerson was identified as a key suspect, leading to heightened joint operations by local authorities and federal law enforcement agencies.

The U.S. Marshals Service's violent fugitive task force played a crucial role in tracking Wilkerson down. They located him at a residence in Memphis and began preparations to take him into custody. The operation unfolded as officials executed the search warrant at the home where Wilkerson was believed to be hiding.

As the marshals entered the residence, Wilkerson attempted to evade capture by retreating to the attic. However, his attempts to hide proved futile when he fell through the ceiling during the law enforcement search. Officials swiftly apprehended him at the scene without further incident, showcasing the effectiveness of the operation.

Remarkably, Wilkerson did not sustain any injuries from the fall. Following his capture, he was booked into the Shelby County Jail, where he awaits further legal proceedings. His apprehension adds to the previous arrests of two other suspects who were taken into custody for their roles in the fatal shooting of Cunningham.

The ongoing investigation into Cunningham's murder highlights a concerted effort by authorities to address the troubling issue of violent crime in Memphis. Community members have expressed their relief over the arrests, hoping that these developments will promote safer neighborhoods. For many, the resolution of this case is critical to restoring peace of mind in a community still mourning the loss of Cunningham and processing the traumatic impacts of the violence that erupted that day.

Authorities are continuing to investigate any additional connections to the shooting and are reviewing potential charges against other individuals that may have been involved. This case serves as a reminder of the persistence of violent crime and the importance of cooperative law enforcement efforts to ensure public safety.