Wilder was wanted in connection with the stabbing death of his wife, Sharon L. Wilder, age 40.
Sharon Wilder was found stabbed by an alleged steak knife in their home at 255 Red Bud Road, just north of Red Boiling Springs, in July of 2003. Wilder immediately became the lead suspect in the investigation. TBI Agent Russ Winkler was called to the scene to investigate.
Wilder has reportedly been running from the law since the incident was first reported.
According to Macon County Sheriff Joe Ferguson, updated technology led authorities to obtain an address on Wilder in Pensacola, Florida.
Sheriff Ferguson spoke to TBI Agent Jason Locke, Saturday, September 6, and the decision was made to travel to Florida to review the situation. Sheriff Ferguson and Agent Locke met with Pensacola authorities at 11 p.m. Saturday to review the case. The Pensacola Sheriff's Department knew the area that he was reportedly last seen and were very instrumental in finding Wilder.
He was found living at a boat marina known as the Swamp. He was taken into custody Sunday, September 7, at approximately 11 a.m. He was reportedly using the name Jerry Myers.
He reportedly hitchhiked from Tennessee with a truck driver and has been at that location since the stabbing death of his wife.
After his arrest, authorities obtained permission to search his living quarters and a camper he was repairing.
Sheriff Ferguson stated that items were found that will be used as evidence as well as personal items that were returned to the family.
Wilder was interviewed in Florida for over an hour. He then appeared before a Florida judge where he waived his rights to extradition and was then brought to the Macon County Justice Center.
Sheriff Ferguson stated that very little was said by Wilder on the eight hour drive from Florida to Tennessee. He reportedly stated he ran because he was afraid he would receive the death penalty. He also allegedly stated he had no reason for the incident, he just "snapped".
He will remain lodged in the Macon County Jail, charged with 2nd degree murder, until his first court appearance scheduled for Monday, October 6.
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