CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Charlotte man was sentenced to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of raping and murdering his cousin in 2010, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
The jury convicted 38-year-old Derek Ward of first-degree murder and first-degree rape on Wednesday.
In April of 2010, Derek and another relative showed up unannounced to Brittini Ward and her family’s south Charlotte apartment. Derek, whom Brittini’s family hadn’t met before, asked if they could stay with them, and they agreed.
Derek and the relative stayed in Brittini’s apartment for a few days before leaving. However, Derek, by himself, returned days later and continued to stay at the apartment.
During his stay, Derek tried to convince Brittini’s family that she was possessed by a demon, the DA’s office said. The family also witnessed Derek choking Brittini on multiple occasions.
On May 5, 2010, Derek and Brittini were alone in the apartment when he raped and strangled her to death, according to the DA’s office.
The family waited hours before calling 911 despite finding her unresponsive when they returned home. The family confirmed to detectives about Derek’s assaults on Brittini weeks after the crime.
Dawn Ward, Brittini’s mother, was previously convicted on charges related to the crime.
Derek was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
