WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — A senseless act of violence on a Wake County highway has now turned into a murder arrest.
Wake County deputies announced Tuesday that 24-year-old Ruben Joseph Santiago has been arrested and charged with murder in connection to last week’s deadly shooting on U.S. Highway 64 West.
According to the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, Santiago was identified as the suspect, which left 55-year-old Derick Godwin fighting for his life.
Deputies responded Thursday to US-64 W near Lizard Lick Road, where they found Godwin suffering from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries.
A relative of Godwin told reporters that the shooting unfolded while he was simply on his way to work, minding his business, doing what grown folks do — handle responsibilities. She believes the entire thing was a road rage incident, and instead of someone choosing peace, they chose a gun.
Santiago is currently facing murder charges, and deputies have not released a motive beyond what witnesses and Godwin’s loved ones have said.
The Sheriff’s Office says the investigation is ongoing.
1 thought on “Wake County Man Shot & Killed On His Way To Work; Suspect Arrested In US-64 Murder”
The reason why a gun was found lying near Derick Godwin when police arrived after the shooting is not publicly detailed in the available reports. In incidents involving shootings, law enforcement typically secures the scene carefully to preserve all evidence for thorough investigation.