Tennessee Man Fatally Stabbed by Wife Before Crash After Couple ‘Got Into It’ Driving Home from Funeral, Sheriff Says
CORDOVA, TENNESSEE — A Tennessee man who crashed his pickup truck off the roadway late last week had already suffered life-threatening stab wounds moments earlier — injuries investigators say came from his wife during an argument after the couple left a funeral. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has charged Sheila Ann Curtis, 56, with second-degree murder in the death of her husband, 56-year-old Derrick Curtis.
Crash Response Reveals Something Far More Violent
Deputies responded around 9:55 p.m. on Nov. 29 to a two-vehicle collision at Houston Levee Road and Macon Road. A Chevrolet Colorado driven by Derrick Curtis was found in a ditch, its driver gravely injured.
Paramedics attempted lifesaving treatment before rushing him to Regional One Health, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
But deputies quickly noticed the injuries didn’t match the crash.
First responders reported Derrick was bleeding heavily from wounds that “did not seem consistent with the minor damage” in the collision. A large pool of blood was found on the driver’s side floorboard.
Victim Told Paramedics His Wife Stabbed Him
Despite his critical condition, Derrick was able to speak — telling medical crews that his wife had stabbed him.
Doctors found three stab wounds in his left leg.
Detectives with the SCSO Violent Crimes Unit launched an immediate investigation, determining the stabbing occurred before the collision and was a “contributing factor” in the crash.
Wife Claims She Wasn’t There — But Evidence Says Otherwise
In an interview, Sheila Curtis denied stabbing her husband, saying the couple argued after leaving a funeral and that Derrick allegedly dropped her off at home before the crash.
Detectives say her story didn’t match the evidence.
A family member told investigators they picked up Sheila and her mother about two miles south of the crash site shortly after the wreck. During the drive, Sheila’s mother reportedly said the couple had “gotten into it” on the way home from the funeral — contradicting Sheila’s claim that she wasn’t present.
Authorities also noted the couple had a history of domestic violence.
Investigators Say the Stabbing Was Intentional
The sheriff’s office concluded the injuries Derrick suffered “were not accidental,” identifying Sheila as the attacker based on witness statements, physical evidence, and Derrick’s own words before dying.
Sheila Curtis was arrested over the weekend and is currently being held at the Shelby County Jail on $500,000 bond. Records show she is scheduled to appear in court for a bond hearing on Wednesday morning.
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