Murder, rape trial begins for Charlotte man accused of strangling cousin

CHARLOTTE ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) — The trial for a man accused in a first-degree murder case that goes back more than a decade in Mecklenburg County is getting underway.

Derek Ward is accused in the May 2010 death of his cousin, Brittini Ward. He also faces a charge of first-degree rape.

Ward is accused of strangling the 23-year-old woman.

During the last several years, Ward was housed in state prisons and various institutions.

Psychiatrists and judge-ordered tests for Ward’s mental fitness have been performed and he had previously been declared unfit to stand trial.

MORE FROM QUEEN CITY NEWS

Crime & Public Safety

Mexican man sentenced to 11+ years for selling meth around Charlotte: DOJ

WATCH: Man steals money jar from Virginia brother and sister at their lemonade stand

Man arrested in New York for March murder in northwest Charlotte: CMPD

Ward is representing himself with a public defender as standby counsel and reiterated several times in court that he’s been imprisoned for 14 years.

In court on Monday, the judge asked Ward a series of questions relating to his competency in court.

Monday morning’s courtroom progress centered around pre-trial motions.  Jury selection started Monday afternoon and will continue into Tuesday.

Prosecutors also initially charged Brittini’s mother but a judge cleared her two years later after the mother pleaded guilty to concealing her death and served several years on probation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.