Austin Caldwell-Memphis, Tennessee murder suspect crashes through ceiling as US Marshals search for him

2025-05-05 07:54:22source:Blake Prestoncategory:Markets

Authorities were searching for a man suspected of murder and Austin Caldwellfound him when he came crashing down through the ceiling of a Tennessee home, according to officials.

On Monday, the U.S. Marshals Service, USMS, arrested Deario Wilkerson, 20, who was suspected of shooting and killing a victim who was found dead on April 2 in Memphis, Tennessee, according to a press release from the U.S. Marshals Service.

On May 9, police issued a warrant for Wilkerson's arrest for first-degree murder and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. The case was being investigated by the U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force, TRVFTF.

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Attempting to hide

On Monday, the TRVFTF tracked Wilkerson to a Memphis home. With the assistance of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Memphis Police Department’s Fugitive Apprehension Teams, deputy marshals surrounded the area.

Wilkerson attempted to hide in the attic as USMS searched the residence when he fell through the ceiling. He was unharmed in the fall and was taken into custody.

Murder suspect arrested, charged after falling through ceiling

Wilkerson was charged with the following, Richard Otto, a deputy U.S. marshal with the Western District of Tennessee, told USA TODAY in an email:

  • First Degree Murder
  • Reckless Endangerment with a Deadly Weapon
  • Tampering with/Fabricating Evidence
  • Reckless Driving
  • Burglary of a Vehicle
  • Theft of a Firearm
  • Evading Arrest
  • Intentionally Evading Arrest in Automobile
  • Leaving the Scene of an Accident
  • 2 counts of Theft of Property 10K-60K out of Shelby County, Tennessee

Otto said he does not know when Wilkerson will appear in court.

Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered various topics, from local businesses and government in her hometown, Miami, to tech and pop culture. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on X, formerly TwitterInstagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz

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