A California resident, Dushan McBride, 51, has been sentenced to a lifetime in prison, with a minimum of 95 years, for the 2017 murder of his former girlfriend, Rashanda Franklin. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the sentence, stating that McBride had been stalking and harassing Franklin for several weeks after their two-year relationship ended.
On the day of the murder, April 14, 2017, McBride lay in wait in a church parking lot where Franklin, 30, was expected to drop off her children. Upon seeing him, Franklin, fearing for her safety, dialed 911 and chose to drive away instead of leaving her children.
As Franklin approached the intersection of 29th Street and Rheem Avenue, McBride intercepted her vehicle and confronted her. The ensuing events were captured in the 911 call. Franklin can be heard pleading, “I’ve got my kids in the car,” to which McBride responded, “I ain’t playing with you,” before shooting her.
The children, two boys aged 9 and 5 at the time, were not physically harmed during the incident. However, their terrified screams were audible in the 911 recording. Franklin’s aunt, Ummu Ikharo-Oza, told local ABC affiliate KGO, “Those kids loved their mom. I know for sure.”
Earlier this year, a jury found McBride guilty on charges of murder, firing into an occupied vehicle, stalking, and using a firearm to cause death.
District Attorney Diana Becton commented on the case, highlighting the broader issue of domestic violence. “This tragic case underscores the devastating reality of domestic violence, which claims far too many lives,” she said. “While no verdict can bring back a mother taken from her children in such a senseless act of violence, this sentence provides the victim’s family with a measure of justice and accountability. It also sends a clear message that stalking and harassment are warning signs that must be taken seriously, and that those who perpetrate such violence will be held responsible under the law.”