A 19-year-old man was arrested after a fatal shooting that killed his uncle in Fort Worth, Texas. The suspect, Derrick Sanders Jr., faces charges of felony murder. Fort Worth police were called to an apartment complex on N. Beach Street on December 1, 2023, where they found 40-year-old Christopher Sanders Sr. deceased in a blue Dodge Charger.
According to the police, Derrick Sanders Jr. was involved in a pre-planned attack on a Chrysler 300 vehicle. Investigators revealed that both Christopher Sanders and his nephew had followed the Chrysler out of an apartment complex near Western Center Boulevard. While the vehicles were in motion, Derrick Sanders Jr. fired shots at the Chrysler from the backseat window of the Dodge Charger.
Police confirmed that one of the bullets hit the roof of the Charger and struck Christopher Sanders Sr., who was sitting in the front passenger seat. Surveillance footage obtained by the authorities reportedly shows Derrick Sanders Jr. discharging his firearm in the direction of his uncle.
Officers searching the area discovered a fired cartridge casing near the vehicle, as well as bloody footprints leading to an air conditioning unit where clothes and a handgun were found. The Glock pistol found at the scene is believed to be the murder weapon.
Derrick Sanders Jr. spoke with detectives on December 5, corroborating some of the evidence. Sanders Jr. was later taken into custody and charged with one count of felony murder. The investigation suggests that both Derrick Sanders Jr. and the victim were wearing orange gloves at the time of the incident. Similar gloves were located near the parked Dodge Charger.
Authorities are still piecing together the full details of the shooting. Neighbors in the complex recalled hearing gunshots on the afternoon of the incident, prompting them to call the police. The complex’s management confirmed the presence of security cameras, which helped law enforcement obtain crucial evidence for the case.
The Fort Worth Police Department continues to investigate the shooting, seeking to understand the motives and circumstances leading up to the tragic event. Family members of both Sanders Jr. and Sr., as well as community members, expressed their shock and sadness over the shooting, highlighting the close-knit nature of their community.
This case adds to the growing number of shootings in Fort Worth, raising concerns among residents about public safety. Local authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The police department has also increased patrols in certain neighborhoods to alleviate community concerns.