Man accused of killing girlfriend in SC, friend in Ballantyne, arrested

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A man who was on the run after allegedly killing his girlfriend in Lancaster County six months ago and stabbing his friend to death earlier this month in Ballantyne has been arrested, according to police.

Investigators said Derrick Allen McIlwain, 41, killed 45-year-old Alvin Fletcher on Nov. 1 after an altercation at a townhome along Paperback Circle, near Providence Road West and Lancaster Highway.

The two men were reportedly friends.

McIlwain was arrested Tuesday in Rock Hill. Officials said four different law enforcement agencies were involved in taking McIlwain into custody.

McIlwain was also wanted for the murder of his girlfriend, Kimberly Alger. She was found dead in May behind a vacant mobile home off Spirit Road in Lancaster County.

"She was the kind of person that saw the good in everybody," said Kristen Deya, Alger's sister.

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When Deya was on the loose, she said the suspect didn't have the means to support himself and asked for anyone who may be assisting him to stop and turn him in.

"He has now killed two people and I don't think he is going to stop. He has nothing to lose," said Deya. "Nobody is safe from the hands of Derrick."

(Derrick Allen McIlwain)

The Nov. 1 homicide happened just before 4 p.m. at Fletcher's townhouse.

Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew over the scene, where we could see several patrol cars and crime scene tape roping off the area.

"A little uneasy. Windows and doors are being locked tonight, for sure," neighbor Austin Williams said.

Police said Fletcher sustained "knife wounds," which caused his death.

"I can't tell you where on the body the trauma was sustained," CMPD Maj. Ryan Butler said. "I just know from the officers, who first responded, the victim had sustained significant trauma."

Butler said authorities are still trying to figure out what led to the fight.

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"Derrick doesn't love anybody but himself. He is a true, true coward. He is the true meaning of a coward," said Deya.

Fletcher's death was the 92nd homicide in the city of Charlotte this year.

Check back for updates on this developing story.

Cox Media Group