Man accused of killing and raping his cousin represents himself in murder trial – WSOC TV

CHARLOTTE – A man representing himself blames demons for the rape and murder of his cousin 14 years ago in south Charlotte.

Doctors diagnosed Brittini Ward with paranoid schizophrenia. Her family said her cousin Derek Ward took advantage of her faith and convinced her that she was possessed by a demon and that he could help.

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But on May 5, 2010, 23-year-old Brittini Ward was found raped and strangled. Now Derek Ward is representing himself in the murder trial while his cousins ​​​​testify against him.

Family members said in May 2010 that Brittini Ward's mental health issues had made her aggressive and difficult to reach. Prosecutors said she nevertheless made a point about Derek Ward.

“She didn’t want him in her house,” said Assistant District Attorney Nikki Robinson.

However, her family said Ward, who had only recently come into her life, told them he could help.

In court on Wednesday, Brittini Ward's siblings said they watched him strangle them.

“He said he was trying to cast the demon out of her,” her sister said.

Then one day, when the two were home alone, the family came home to find Brittni unconscious and in bloody underwear. Her brother wiped away tears as he told the jury Derek Ward's statement.

“She fights this demon for so long that it physically attacks and hurts her,” he said.

They said Derek Ward told them not to call 911. They later learned she was already dead and had been raped.

“Male DNA in Brittini Ward’s pubic area that includes the defendant,” said ADA Robinson.

Derek Ward's shackles clinked as he approached the jury. He is representing himself at his murder trial.

Ward gave a rambling opening speech that included incoherent remarks about ghosts.

“It's not supernatural, it's not paranormal. It's completely normal,” he said.

He then said the bleeding killed Brittini and he did not cause the bleeding.

“They accused me of things for which they had no evidence,” he said.

He challenged his cousins ​​on the witness stand.

“Do you really believe, or do you believe after 14 years, that I raped and murdered Brittini?” he asked.

“Yes, I do,” said her brother.

The judge had to repeatedly explain the rules of law to Ward, and the jury seemed disturbed by some of his comments, leading to awkward moments on the first day of testimony on Wednesday.

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