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

CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — 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.

Dawn Ward’s family never believed the allegations against her.

"That's my sister. I grew up with her. I know her and I know how she loved her children," Ward's sister said as she left the Mecklenburg County Courthouse Thursday, minutes after prosecutors announced that they were dismissing the murder and incest charges against her.

"(This was an) outstanding outcome, overjoyed and justified. It was the right decision," her sister.

Police arrested Dawn Ward in June 2010, weeks after they found the body of her daughter, Brittany, in their apartment.

Prosecutors said the case evolved and that the evidence now points to Ward's nephew, Derek Ward, who has a history of mental illness and sexual assault.

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.

Dawn Ward pleaded guilty to one charge of concealing a death, and will serve two years of probation.

WSOC