Pregnant woman punched by brother over electric bill dies, police say

Fort Lauderdale police say Jaquinda Wright punched twice in head by Willie Ward

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. ā€“ A pregnant woman is dead after she was struck by her brother during an argument over an electric bill, Fort Lauderdale police said.

It happened about 7:30 p.m. Friday at a home in the 1100 block of Northwest 13th Court. Neighbors told Local 10 News that the home belongs to some friends of the victim.

Police said Jaquinda Wright, 29, was involved in an argument with her brother, Willie Ward, 25, about the electric bill.

The argument turned physical and Ward punched Wright twice in the head, police said.

Wright collapsed and was taken to Broward Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

Neighbors told Local 10 News that the home belongs to some friends of the victim.

Ward, a Fort Lauderdale resident, fled in a gold vehicle. Police said there is an active warrant for his arrest in connection with the death.

"At this point, we do have an active warrant right now for second-degree murder," Fort Lauderdale police Capt. Frank Sousa said.

Sousa said there is no decision on whether Ward will face additional charges because Wright was pregnant at the time.

Neighbors said they saw police outside the home Friday night.

"It was six police cars and detectives, and pretty much that was it," Lawanda Thomas said. "They went down there and put some yellow tape down, but other than that, that's all I seen."

Ward does have a police record. Local 10 News has learned he's faced traffic violations, drug charges and a battery charge in the past.

Anyone with information regarding Ward's whereabouts is asked to call Broward County County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS or Detective Jason Wood at 954-828-5344.

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About the Author:

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.