In a tragic turn of events in Tennessee, a two-car crash last week claimed the life of 56-year-old Derrick Curtis. His death has led to his wife, Sheila Ann Curtis, also 56, facing a charge of murder for allegedly stabbing him before the incident. Authorities have confirmed her arrest on one count of second-degree murder, as reported by Law&Crime.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office detailed that deputies were dispatched around 9:55 p.m. on November 29 to attend to a serious vehicle collision near Houston Levee Road and Macon Road in Cordova. Upon arrival, they discovered a Chevrolet Colorado involved in the crash, positioned off the road in a ditch.

Emergency responders from the Shelby County Fire Department were already on site, desperately working to save Derrick Curtis. Despite their efforts and subsequent transport to Regional One Health in Memphis, he was declared dead shortly after arrival.

Initial findings from the investigation revealed Derrick Curtis had sustained life-threatening injuries prior to the crash, specifically stab wounds, which significantly contributed to the accident. This discovery prompted detectives from the SCSO Violent Crimes Unit to delve deeper into the events leading up to the collision.

The inquiry swiftly led to the conclusion that Sheila Curtis was responsible for the stabbing, resulting in her arrest over the weekend. The investigation continues as authorities piece together the details surrounding this heartrending case.

“Through investigative efforts, they discovered that the injuries Mr. Curtis sustained before the crash were not accidental, and detectives identified his wife, Sheila Curtis, 56, as the individual responsible,” the sheriff’s office said.

A probable cause affidavit obtained by Memphis NBC affiliate WMC provided additional details about what led to the arrest of Sheila Curtis.

According to the report, first responders said that when they first reached Derrick Curtis, he was bleeding profusely from a wound that “did not seem to be consistent with the minor damage” suffered in the collision. Deputies also highlighted that there was a large pool of blood on the driver’s side floorboards.

Derrick Curtis was reportedly able to speak with the paramedics, telling them his wife had just stabbed him. Medical personnel said he had suffered three separate stab wounds to his left leg.

In an interview with detectives, Sheila Curtis denied being involved in the stabbing. She reportedly said she and her husband had attended a funeral together and got into an argument on the way home. However, she claimed that Derrick Curtis dropped her off at their residence before driving away and crashing.

Detectives said Sheila Curtis refused to discuss what she and her husband fought about, but the couple reportedly had a history of domestic violence.

A family member told deputies that shortly after Derrick Curtis crashed, the family member picked up Sheila Curtis and Sheila’s mother. They were about two miles south of the crash site. During the drive, Sheila’s mother reportedly told the family member they needed a ride because Sheila and Derrick Curtis had “gotten into it” on the way back from the funeral.

Sheila Curtis is currently being held in the Shelby County Jail on $500,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court for a bond hearing on Wednesday morning, according to court records.