Deandre Wilkins (Tennessee Department of Corrections).
A Tennessee man is set to spend over ten years in prison after he was found guilty of stabbing his pregnant ex-girlfriend ten times, in a chilling incident where he warned her, “I told you I was going to get you.” This marks the third alleged assault he has perpetrated against her over the course of one summer.
Deandre Wilkins, aged 36, received a conviction for aggravated assault this past Monday, according to the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office. His sentencing is scheduled for May 1, where he faces a potential 15-year prison term. Initially charged with attempted murder and domestic assault, Wilkins was later indicted on charges of aggravated assault and aggravated kidnapping. However, he was acquitted of the kidnapping charge.
Memphis law enforcement officers were alerted around 8:40 p.m. on September 20, 2024, to an incident in a parking area on the 1500 block of Havana Street, located in the southern part of the city. Emergency medical services discovered the victim with numerous stab wounds and promptly transported her to a hospital. During the investigation, she recounted to detectives that while walking with friends, Wilkins approached her and struck her in the face, as detailed in a criminal complaint.
Following this, Wilkins brandished a kitchen knife and repeatedly stabbed her, reiterating his earlier threat. Despite the severe attack, she survived and later identified Wilkins in a photographic lineup. Their relationship had lasted about a year before they parted ways a few months prior to the incident, and she was carrying his child at the time.
This violent episode was the third time Wilkins allegedly assaulted the same woman within a span of three months. On July 24, 2024, he purportedly punched her multiple times and stole her purse, although she did not report that incident immediately.
On August 5, 2024, it is alleged that Wilkins confined the victim and her four children in their apartment. According to the criminal complaint, he punched her in the mouth and threatened her life, saying he would kill her if she attempted to leave. He also allegedly brandished a kettlebell weight, threatening, “I will smash your face in if you try to leave!”
Cops arrested Wilkins on charges of aggravated assault, domestic violence and four counts of false imprisonment. The victim also told detectives about the July 2024 incident, and they tacked on charges of robbery and domestic violence, records show.
Wilkins paid the $60,000 bond to get out of jail, but a judge issued a bench warrant for his arrest on Aug. 20, 2024, after he failed to show up for a court appearance in another case, records show. He was arrested after the stabbing and has been in the Shelby County Jail ever since. Prosecutors say he has previous convictions for aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, aggravated robbery and burglary. Wilkins is on probation, according to the Tennessee Department of Corrections.
