Murder Fugitive From Puerto Rico Apprehended by U.S Marshals in Memphis

Memphis, TN – Tyreece Miller, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee, announces the capture of Daunta Head, 53, in Memphis for Violations of Conspiracy to Murder in Puerto Rico.

On May 5, 2022, a 43-year-old woman was murdered in the Puerto Rico town of Aguadilla. The victim’s body was dismembered. On June 6, a warrant was issued by the General Court of Justice for the District of Aguadilla charging Daunta Head for this crime. The U.S. Marshals Puerto Rico Violent Offender Task Force adopted the case for a fugitive investigation.

The Puerto Rico Task Force developed information that Head was in the Memphis area and requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force to investigate further.

On August 8, Investigators with the Two Rivers Task Force were able to determine that Daunta Head was at a motel off Elvis Presley Boulevard. Working in conjunction with the Shelby County Fugitive Apprehension Team and the Memphis Police Department Fugitive Apprehension Team, Head was taken into custody without incident and is being held at the Shelby County Jail as he awaits the extradition process.

U.S. Marshal Wilmer Ocasio from the District of Puerto Rico said, "This arrest is part of the strategic and coordinated execution to get these high-profile fugitives off the streets. This horrendous crime is one against the dignity of a human being and doesn't represent the values supported by our constitution. The search for violent criminals threatening public safety and our communities continues to be a priority for the United States Marshals across the country. Federal, state, and local law enforcement partners work together to reduce violent crimes and return peace to our communities. It is not a matter of when or where; it is a matter of time when U.S. Marshals Service will bring you to justice."

"We're not sure what, if any, ties Daunta Head has to the Memphis area," said U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller. "What I can assure the public is he will no longer be hiding in our community. As soon as the Puerto Rico authorities can come get him, Daunta Head will be transferred back to their jurisdiction to face charges for this heinous crime. The U.S. Marshals Service was proud to play a role in that process."

The U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency task force within Western Tennessee. The Task Force has offices in Memphis and Jackson, and its membership is primarily composed of Deputy U.S. Marshals, Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies, Memphis Police Officers, Fayette County Sheriff's Deputies, Jackson Police Officers, and the Tennessee Department of Corrections Special Agents. The primary mission of the Task Force is to arrest violent offenders and sexual predators