Altercation ends in murder

Published 10:17 am Tuesday, March 3, 2009

AHOSKIE – An altercation at a popular Ahoskie nightspot has ended tragically.

Detrick Lamont White, 33, of Jernigan Airport Road, Ahoskie, died Saturday morning at Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville, the apparent victim of head trauma resulting from the altercation.

According to Ahoskie Police Lt. Detective Jeremy Roberts, White was struck in the head with an object allegedly held by Derrick McKinley Watford, 32, of 143 Sallie Freeman Road, Colerain.

Roberts said the incident took place inside Chubbies, located on Jersey Street in Ahoskie, sometimes around 1:30 a.m. Saturday.

“During the altercation, Mr. White was struck by an object held by Mr. Watford,” Roberts said. “As a result of that head trauma, Mr. White later died.”

Roberts said White was initially taken to Roanoke-Chowan Hospital and later airlifted to Pitt County Memorial Hospital where he succumbed.

Watford was charged with second degree murder. After being processed at the Ahoskie Police Department, he was transported to the Hertford County Detention Center in Winton where he is currently being held under a $750,000 cash bond.

Watford’s first court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3.

Roberts is the lead investigator in the case.