A man from Tennessee is currently in custody after allegedly stabbing his pregnant former girlfriend multiple times in what is reported to be his third assault on her this summer, according to local law enforcement. Memphis police were called to a parking lot on Havana Street in the southern part of the city around 8:40 p.m. last Friday. Upon arrival, they found the victim with multiple stab wounds and immediately transported her to a nearby hospital.
The victim later informed detectives that she was walking with friends when her ex-boyfriend, identified as 35-year-old Deandre Wilkins, approached her and punched her in the face, as stated in a criminal complaint. Wilkins then allegedly produced a kitchen knife and began stabbing the woman, reportedly telling her, “I told you I was going to get you.” The woman, who survived the attack, identified Wilkins from a photo lineup. The pair had been in a relationship for approximately a year before ending things a few months prior. The woman is currently pregnant with Wilkins’ child.
This incident marks the third time Wilkins has allegedly assaulted the woman since July. On July 24, Wilkins is said to have punched her in the face multiple times before stealing her purse. The victim did not report the incident immediately.
On August 5, Wilkins allegedly held the woman and her four children captive in their apartment. According to a criminal complaint, Wilkins punched her in the mouth and threatened to kill her if she attempted to leave. He also allegedly threatened her with a kettlebell weight, saying, “I will smash your face in if you try to leave!” Wilkins was arrested on charges of aggravated assault, domestic violence, and four counts of false imprisonment. The victim also informed detectives about the July 24 incident, leading to additional charges of robbery and domestic violence.
After posting a $60,000 bond, Wilkins was released from jail. However, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest on August 20 when he failed to appear in court. Prosecutors have noted that Wilkins has previous convictions for aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, aggravated robbery, and burglary. He is currently on probation, as per the Tennessee Department of Corrections.
Wilkins is now being held at the Shelby County Jail with a $2 million bond. He faces charges of attempted murder and domestic assault.