Man, 24, charged with murder in possible road-rage shooting on U.S. 64, Wake sheriff says

A 24-year-old man has been charged with murder in a shooting on U.S. 64 last week, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday.

Ruben Joseph Santiago of Wilson County was arrested Tuesday and charged in the death of Derick Alan Godwin, 55, of Johnston County “after a thorough investigation and discussions with the Wake County District Attorney’s Office,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release..

Santiago and Godwin were driving on the highway Thursday when the shooting occurred.

“It was reported that Santiago was driving aggressively prior to the shooting,” a department spokesperson said in an email Tuesday night. “Investigators are looking at all possible motives, including road rage.”

“At this point, we’re not aware of a personal connection between Santiago and Godwin,” the email added.

The shooting closed U.S. 64 between Lizard Lick and Rolesville roads while deputies investigated the incident.

On Sunday, the Sheriff’s Office said Godwin had died, that they had identified the shooter and that there was no ongoing threat to the public.

ABC11, The News & Observer’s newsgathering partner, reported that Godwin had been shot in the head. The Sheriff’s Office says it is awaiting autopsy results to determine how he died.

The Sheriff’s Office thanked the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation for their help, as well “the other drivers that came forward with information,” according to Tuesday’s release.

“The investigators assigned to this case have worked hard reviewing the evidence and collaborating with our partnering agencies,” Sheriff Willie Rowe said in the release. “We also thank the community for their patience and understanding as cases like this take time, and we are committed to a thorough investigation.”

This story was originally published November 23, 2025 at 12:16 PM.