NC - Brittini Ward, 25, raped & murdered, Charlotte, 5 May 2010

[lovelydork]

A young woman was allegedly murdered by her mother and cousin, but I can't seem to find much info on the case. If anybody else can dig up anything feel free to post/discuss! Thank you

Quote:
"Prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty against a man accused of killing his teen cousin earlier this year following an alleged affair with the teen's mother.

Derek Ward was charged on Tuesday, May 25th with murder and first-degree rape in the death of Brittini Lauren Ward.

Her mother, Dawn Michelle Ward, was also charged with murder, accessory after the fact to a felony, and incest.

According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the incest charge stems from Dawn Ward's alleged relationship with her nephew, Derek Ward.

During a Rule 24 hearing on Thursday, July 29th, the Mecklenburg County District Attorney said it will pursue the case as a capital trial against Derek Ward, but not for Dawn Ward.

Dawn Ward is scheduled to appear in court on August 26th, and Derek Ward will appear in court on September 23rd.

Brittini Ward was found dead inside her south Charlotte apartment at 8101 Providence Court Lane on May 5th.

According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Derek Ward also lived at the same address as Brittini Ward.

An obituary published on Legacy.com said Brittini Ward formerly lived in Irmo, SC, and was born in Ridgewood, NJ.

The obituary also said "Brittini's smile brightened and enlightened all around her, displaying both physical and inner beauty to others."

She attended the Irmo, St. Andrews, and Sardis congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses, Legacy.com said. "


http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=12546388

 

[Lovejac]

http://www.wcnc.com/home/Mother-arrested-in-her-daughters-murder-95476364.html

according to this article they all lived together at the same residence.

Investigators have been tight-lipped about the case, which began as a death investigation in May. Brittini was found dead in the apartment she shared with her mother and her cousin.

 

[HockeyGirl]

What a pretty girl, this is so so sad that her momster did this to her. How could anyone possibly put anyone above their own child?

 

[fran]

This is a 2010 case. I haven't located a current thread, but now we need to wait for the cousin's trial.

fran


Woman cleared of murder, incest charges after two-year fight

Posted: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 8, 2012

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After two years, a mother charged with killing her 23-year-old daughter and having a sexual relationship with her own nephew has been cleared of criminal charges

more at link .................... http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/woman-cleared-murder-incest-charges-after-two-year/nLPDR/

 

[Flossie JMO]

From your link Fran, how awful :

Prosecutors said Derek Ward had come to live with his aunt and her children and had been seen choking Brittany several times before they found her dead. Prosecutors said they believe Derek Ward raped and strangled the girl because he believed she was possessed.

He is still facing a murder charge, but he is in Central Prison and is not competent to stand trial.

Prosecutors said Dawn Ward had admitted having a sexual relationship with Derek, but they dismissed the incest charge against her because he is not a blood relative.

--

JMO

 

[lovelydork]

WHAT! sounds like he was the possessed one not her!

 

[Paige SC]

I worked with her for many years. I can't understand for the life of me why -at the very minimum- she would participate in the concealment of her daughter's dead body.

 

[buggiebenjamin]

did you know her

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Late Monday morning, Derek Ward asked the judge for his public defender, Michael Kabaoff, to take over the remainder of the case. Ward offered to act as his own attorney for most of the trial, which has been highlighted by multiple objections from the prosecution towards Ward, admonitions from the judge towards Ward towards any ‘commentary,’ due to Ward making wide-ranging statements in court.

Ward has previously been considered mentally unfit for trial but a judge recently ruled that Ward is aware of his charges and the consequences of those charges, and allowed the trial to move forward.

Ward is accused of raping and strangling Brittini Ward. Brittini Ward died in May 2010 in a Charlotte apartment. Brittini’s family members said Derek Ward ingratiated himself into the family after initially meeting them for the first time and was allegedly able to convince Brittini’s mother that her daughter was under some sort of ‘possession’ by a ‘demon.’

The judge also noted that this change is coming more than halfway through the trial. Prosecutors said the DNA expert they had called to the stand was their last witness.

A defense witness list indicates Derek Ward himself may take the stand at some point during the trial.

https://www.qcnews.com/charlotte/charlotte-man-accused-in-2010-murder-no-longer-representing-himself/