UPDATE: Dawn Michelle Ward, the mother of Brittini Ward and the aunt of Derek Ward, was arrested earlier today by deputies with the Lexington County, SC, Sheriff’s Department in connection with the murder of Brittini Ward.She was arrested without incident at her parent’s home and taken to the Lexington County Detention Center. Ms. Dawn Ward waived extradition and was transported back to Charlotte, NC, by Detectives with the CMPD Homicide Unit, who had previously obtained warrants for her arrest for the following charges: Murder, Accessory After the Fact to a Felony, Incest (with Derek Ward)
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Members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team arrested Derek Ward for the murder and rape of his 23-year old cousin, Brittini Ward.On May 5, 2010, Medic, CFD and CMPD Police Officers were dispatched to a medical call at 8101 Providence Court Lane. Upon arrival, emergency personnel found Brittini Ward inside the apartment deceased.
South Division Officers secured the scene and notified the CMPD Homicide Unit. Homicide Detectives arrived and conducted a death investigation and interviewed everyone present in the home while Crime Scene collected evidence from the scene. The victim was transported to the Medical Examiners Office for an autopsy.
As the investigation continued, Homicide Detectives were contacted by extended family members from out of state with new information regarding the case. Subsequently, Homicide Detectives conducted additional interviews and were able to sign arrest warrants on Derek Ward who was residing at the same address of Brittni Ward at the time of the incident.Mr. Ward is currently in the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office charged with Murder and 1st Degree Rape.