Derrick Sanders Jr., a 19-year-old man from Texas, has been charged with the murder of his uncle, Christopher Sanders Sr., following a shooting on December 1. The incident occurred when both men were in a vehicle, a Dodge Charger, involved in a high-speed pursuit of another car, a Chrysler 300. The two were in the Charger with four other individuals, and the vehicle followed the Chrysler out of an apartment complex, with Christopher Sanders in the front passenger seat and Derrick Sanders in the back.
Fort Worth Police later revealed that surveillance footage showed both men firing at the Chrysler. Derrick Sanders was seen hanging out of the rear driver’s side window, shooting over the top of the Dodge. Some of the shots were fired at a downward angle, striking Christopher Sanders in the head after piercing the roof of the vehicle. This ultimately led to his death.
Texas Teen Charged with Murder After Fatal Shooting of His Uncle During High-Speed Pursuit
When police responded to the scene, they found Christopher Sanders dead in the Dodge Charger. Notably, he was wearing a pair of orange gloves, which were similar to gloves found nearby. Authorities also searched the apartment complex where the shooting took place and discovered a fired casing near the trunk of the car. Additionally, they found bloody footprints leading to an air conditioning unit, where a handgun and clothing were located, suggesting the shooting had been planned.
The police determined that the shooting appeared to be premeditated, pointing to evidence such as the gloves and paper used to cover the Dodge Charger’s license plates. Derrick Sanders was questioned by detectives on December 5, where he confirmed he was in the car during the shooting but did not admit to being the one who fired the fatal shot. Investigators have not disclosed whether other people in the car have been identified or if any additional charges will be brought.
Derrick Sanders Jr. now faces charges of felony murder and firing a weapon into an occupied vehicle. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the full scope of the shooting and whether anyone else involved in the incident will face charges.
