CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The trial of Derek Ward, accused of the 2010 death of his cousin Brittini Ward, began on Monday. The trial had been delayed for years because Derek Ward had been deemed unfit to stand trial because of his mental health.
In 2010, Derek Ward was charged with killing Brittini Ward. Brittini's mother, Dawn Michelle Ward, was originally charged as an accessory to her death. That charge was later dropped after Dawn Ward pleaded guilty to concerning her death and several years of probation. At the time of her arrest, authorities had also charged Dawn Ward with incest involving her nephew, Derek.
Brittini was found dead in the apartment she shared with her mother and her cousin.
In court Monday, new documents were filed with the court including a motion to sequester witnesses.
Fourteen years after Brittini Ward's death, a judge ruled on Monday that Derek Ward was fit to stand trial. The judge also decided Derek Ward could represent himself. The public defender representing Derek Ward on Monday disagreed with the judge's decision.
"I would suggest he is incapable because he behaves irrationally and should not be involved in the defense of this case rooted in fantastical thoughts," the defender argued in court.
In court on Monday, Derek Ward denied he killed his cousin.
Jury selection began Monday afternoon.