CHARLOTTE, N.C. β 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 Attorneyβs 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 familyβs south Charlotte apartment. Derek, whom Brittiniβs family hadnβt met before, asked if they could stay with them, and they agreed.
Derek and the relative stayed in Brittiniβs 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 Brittiniβs family that she was possessed by a demon, the DAβs 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 DAβs office.
The family waited hours before calling 911 despite finding her unresponsive when they returned home. The family confirmed to detectives about Derekβs assaults on Brittini weeks after the crime.
Dawn Ward, Brittiniβs mother, was previously convicted on charges related to the crime.
Derek was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
