Sister’s emotions take over in court when brother’s accused killer faces judge: ‘Complete anger’
Emotions ran high at the Wake County Justice Center Wednesday as the man accused of killing 55-year-old Derick Godwin made his first appearance in court.
Investigators say Rueben Santiago, 24, shot Godwin in the head during a drive Thursday morning on Highway 64 near Lizard Lick. Godwin did not survive. Santiago is now charged with first degree murder.
When he came out, all I could feel was anger.
Godwin’s sister, Faith Dullaghan, attended the hearing and was distraught as soon as she saw her brother’s accused killer.
“Total anger. Total anger. I thought I had it under control,” she said, recalling the moment she shouted from the gallery before the judge told her: “Ma’am, sit down or leave.”
Dullaghan said she didn’t expect to react the way she did, but seeing Santiago in person was much different than looking at photos. “When he came out, all I could feel was anger.”
She believes her brother’s death was the result of road rage.
I want people to remember his silly, comical laugh.
“He didn’t have to kill him, and the grief is beyond understanding when it comes to such a senseless death,” she said.
As she cries, Dullaghan remembers her brother as a compassionate, hard-working man who “had an infectious smile.”
“He was always funny. I want people to remember his silly, comical laugh,” she said. “I loved my brother and my brother loved me.”
Derick Godwin (Photo: Faith Dullaghan)
She now hopes to create a foundation aimed at fighting road rage.
“We need to focus on the problem. Why are people so angry that they go out and want to take someone else’s life?” she said. “No one wants this to happen to their brother, their uncle, their son, their father. It’s just horrible.”
Dullaghan said she was committed to seeking justice for Godwin in the coming months.
“I will be a strength to my brother as long as I live,” she said.
Derick Godwin (Photo: Faith Dullaghan)
Santiago has requested a court-appointed capital defender and will remain held without bail. If convicted, he faces life in prison or the death penalty.
Rueben Santiago
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