CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Charlotte man was sentenced to life in prison after a jury convicted him of raping and murdering his cousin in 2010, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
On Wednesday, the jury convicted Derek Ward, 38, of first-degree murder and first-degree rape.
Derek and another relative paid an unexpected visit to Brittini Ward and her family’s South Charlotte condominium in April 2010. Derek, whom Brittini’s family had never met before, asked if they could stay with them, and they said yes.
Derek and the relative spent a few days at Brittini’s flat before leaving. Derek, on his own, returned days later and remained in the apartment.
During his visit, Derek attempted to persuade Brittini’s family that she was possessed by a demon, according to the DA’s office. Derek repeatedly choked Brittini, according to the family.
According to the DA’s office, Derek raped and strangled Brittini to death on May 5, 2010, while they were alone in the apartment.
Even though she was unresponsive when they came home, the family waited several hours before calling 911. The family informed detectives about Derek’s assaults on Brittini weeks after the crime.
Brittini’s mother, Dawn Ward, had previously been convicted of crimes linked to the crime.
Derek was condemned to life in jail with no hope of parole.