Cordova, Tennessee – A deadly two-car collision in Shelby County has led to a homicide investigation after deputies determined the driver who died had been stabbed before losing control of his vehicle. The victim’s wife is now facing a second-degree murder charge, and investigators say the couple had argued while driving home from a funeral just minutes before the crash.
Incident overview
Deputies were called at about 9:55 p.m. on Nov. 29 to a crash at Houston Levee Road and Macon Road in Cordova. Responding units found a Chevrolet Colorado off the roadway in a ditch, and emergency crews were performing lifesaving measures on 56-year-old Derrick Curtis. He was rushed to Regional One Health in Memphis, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Medical teams immediately noticed injuries that didn’t match the moderate vehicle damage. According to the sheriff’s office, Derrick had life-threatening stab wounds that contributed to the crash, prompting detectives to launch a full investigation into what happened before the collision.
What investigators uncovered
Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit learned that Derrick had spoken to paramedics before losing consciousness. According to the report, he told them that his wife, Sheila Ann Curtis, 56, had stabbed him. Medical personnel documented three stab wounds to his left leg, and deputies noted a large pool of blood on the driver’s side floorboards.
Investigators said these wounds were inflicted before the vehicle left the roadway, and were not connected to the impact of the crash.
Statements from first responders
First responders said Derrick’s excessive bleeding was inconsistent with the crash damage, which raised immediate suspicion.
“The wound did not seem to be consistent with the minor damage to the vehicle,” the affidavit states.
Witness accounts and the physical evidence quickly turned the crash scene into a potential homicide investigation.
Interview with the suspect
Detectives located and interviewed Sheila Curtis, who denied stabbing her husband. She told investigators the couple had attended a funeral earlier that evening and got into an argument on the drive home. According to her statement, Derrick allegedly dropped her off at their residence before continuing to drive away alone.
She declined to discuss the nature of the argument, though investigators noted the pair reportedly had a history of domestic violence.
Family member’s account
A family member later told deputies they had picked up Sheila and her mother about two miles away from the crash site shortly after the collision. During the drive, the family member said Sheila’s mother explained the couple had “gotten into it” on the way back from the funeral, contradicting Sheila’s statement that she had been dropped off at home.
This timeline helped detectives determine that Sheila had been with Derrick immediately before the crash and the stabbing.
Charges and upcoming court hearing
Sheila Ann Curtis was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the death of her husband. She is currently being held at the Shelby County Jail on a $500,000 bond. Court records show she is scheduled to appear for a bond hearing on Wednesday morning.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue reviewing evidence from the vehicle, witness statements, and the couple’s documented history.
Community and safety context
Domestic violence remains a significant concern in Shelby County and nationwide. Authorities urge anyone experiencing relationship violence to seek help early, as heated arguments can escalate rapidly into dangerous situations. Investigators emphasized that Derrick’s ability to speak to paramedics before losing consciousness helped them quickly identify what happened.
Conclusion
What began as a routine crash response has unfolded into a homicide case after evidence revealed that the victim suffered multiple stab wounds minutes before the wreck. With conflicting statements, a history of domestic issues, and corroborating accounts from family members, detectives say the investigation will focus on reconstructing the exact events leading up to Derrick Curtis’ death.
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