Search Results for: Shelby

Woman charged with murder after fatal crash in Cordova

Cordova, TN A two-car crash has led to the death of a 56-year-old man and the arrest of his wife on murder charges. Sheila Ann Curtis, 56, was taken into custody over the weekend and charged with second-degree murder following the death of Derrick Curtis.

Shelby County deputies responded to a serious collision report on the evening of November 29 at around 9:55 p.m. Upon arriving, they found Derrick Curtis, who was severely injured, after a Chevrolet Colorado he was driving left the roadway and crashed into a ditch.

Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures as Derrick Curtis was transported to Regional One Health in Memphis, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Investigators later noted that Derrick Curtis had suffered stab wounds prior to the crash, marking them as contributing factors leading to the fatal accident.

Following the discovery of the stab wounds, detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit commenced an investigation. Evidence pointed to Sheila Curtis as the assailant.

A probable cause affidavit indicated first responders observed inconsistency between Derrick Curtis’ injuries and the damage from the collision. He reportedly communicated to paramedics that his wife had stabbed him before the crash.

In an interview, Sheila Curtis denied these claims, asserting she had been dropped off before the crash occurred. She also stated that an argument had occurred on their return from a funeral.

Witnesses reported a history of domestic violence between the couple, which complicates the situation further. A family member of Derrick Curtis revealed that they picked up Sheila Curtis shortly after the crash, who had mentioned an argument with her husband.

Currently, Sheila Curtis is held at the Shelby County Jail with a bond set at $500,000. A court appearance for a bond hearing is scheduled for Wednesday morning.

Memphis man sentenced to life for killing newborn daughter and mother

MEMPHIS, TN A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murders of his newborn daughter and her mother. Brandon Isabelle, 28, received consecutive sentences totaling 96 years for the killings of 27-year-old Danielle Hoyle and their infant daughter, Kennedy Hoyle. He was convicted of first-degree murder and aggravated kidnapping.

Isabelle had pleaded not guilty to all charges. The sentences included 51 years for the murders and an additional 45 years for aggravated child neglect and especially aggravated kidnapping.

The events leading to the sentencing began on January 30, 2022, when Isabelle learned that Hoyle was in labor. Following the birth of Kennedy, he sent numerous texts to a new girlfriend while at the hospital, indicating a desire to end his relationship with Hoyle.

On February 1, shortly after Hoyle and her baby were released from the hospital, Isabelle met them under the pretense of delivering baby clothes. He persuaded Hoyle to drive along a secluded road where he shot her multiple times before leaving her body in a ditch.

Authorities detailed that Isabelle then took his daughter and abandoned her in the Mississippi River. Law enforcement later recovered Hoyle’s body, while Kennedy’s remains have not been found.

Isabelle was arrested after police discovered blood on his socks matching that of Hoyle. He was stoic during the court proceedings and received the sentence earlier this week in a Shelby County courtroom.

Shelby County chief prosecutor Eric Christensen expressed the family’s relief regarding the sentencing. He emphasized the commitment to justice for the victims.

Man accused of breaking into homes of deceased victims in Alabama

Alabaster, AL A man is in custody for burglarizing homes of individuals who recently died. Peter Michael Petitti, 40, has been arrested following a traffic stop after he allegedly broke into a residence to steal property from a deceased individual.

This incident marks the second time in three months Petitti has committed such offenses during mourning periods. The Alabaster Police Department linked him to the burglaries through video surveillance and his specific method of operation.

Petitti reportedly checked obituaries and social media to target his victims. Alabaster Police Detective Andrew Rowan stated that it’s reasonable to assume obituaries may have informed Petitti’s actions based on the circumstances.

The first burglary incident occurred in August, while the latest event took place on Sunday. In the latter case, he was identified after attempting to enter a home in the Park Forest neighborhood.

The previous break-in involved significant damage to doors and theft of minor valuables. Originally charged with fourth-degree burglary, Petitti now faces additional charges, including third-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools.

Petitti was out on bail by August 20, before being arrested again on November 9, with his bond revoked the following day.

Detective Rowan expressed disdain for Petitti’s actions, describing them as disturbing and said the victims’ families should not endure such violations during their time of grief.

The stolen items included jewelry and family heirlooms. The police have initiated efforts to recover the missing possessions.

Petitti is currently held in Shelby County Jail without bond as a precaution against further offenses.

Memphis man arrested for shooting stemming from mechanic dispute

MEMPHIS, TN A man has been arrested following a shooting that resulted from a disagreement over mechanic work. Tavares Sheeks, 37, faces multiple charges, including attempted murder in the second degree and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The incident occurred on a recent day when shots were fired at a residence on Cloverdale Drive in the Castalia Heights neighborhood. A retired 91-year-old former police officer was injured during the shooting.

Sheeks is accused of appearing at the home of John Allen, the injured man, after a longstanding dispute over unpaid car repairs. According to reports, Allen’s girlfriend had paid Sheeks $1,200 for repair work on a Dodge Challenger that was never completed.

The argument escalated leading to the shooting, during which Sheeks and two accomplices reportedly fired multiple rounds into the house. The victim was inside and suffered injuries from a ricocheted bullet.

The house sustained significant damage, with evidence of bullets striking multiple areas. At the time of the shooting, six individuals, including a small child, were present in the home.

Following the incident, Sheeks fled the scene. He was arrested on Wednesday and is currently being held at the Shelby County Jail on a bond of $157,500. His court appearance is scheduled for November 3.