US murder suspect falls through ceiling as police search his house

For months, authorities in the state of 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 house where he was hiding.

Deario Wilkerson, 20, was uninjured after falling from his attic hiding place, the U.S. 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 is one of three suspects identified in connection with the fatal shooting of Troy Cunningham on April 2 in Memphis, the US Marshals Service said.

According to the Shelby County District Attorney, the three men allegedly stole Mr. Cunningham's gun and were then shot in the head as he attempted to flee.

The other two suspects have already been arrested and charged, prosecutors said. The arrest warrant against Mr Wilkerson was issued in May.

His case was later transferred to the U.S. Marshal's Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force in Memphis for investigation of fugitive charges.

His trail led him to a home in Memphis and authorities surrounded the house.

Mr. Wilkerson tried to hide in the attic before falling through the ceiling.

It is still unclear whether he has secured the services of a lawyer. He has not yet entered a plea.