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.
