Dushan McBride, a 51-year-old California resident, has been handed a life sentence with a minimum of 95 years for the 2017 murder of his ex-girlfriend, Rashanda Franklin. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the sentence, noting that McBride had been persistently stalking and harassing Franklin for several weeks following the end of their two-year relationship.
On the day of the murder, April 14, 2017, McBride was lying in wait in a church parking lot where Franklin, 30, was scheduled to drop off her children. Upon spotting him, Franklin, fearing for her life, dialed 911 and decided to drive away rather than leave her children behind.
As Franklin neared the intersection of 29th Street and Rheem Avenue, McBride intercepted her vehicle and confronted her. The chilling events that followed were recorded in the 911 call. Franklin can be heard pleading, “I’ve got my kids in the car,” to which McBride chillingly responded, “I ain’t playing with you,” before fatally shooting her.
The children, two boys aged 9 and 5 at the time, were not physically injured during the incident. However, their terrified screams were captured in the 911 recording. Franklin’s aunt, Ummu Ikharo-Oza, spoke to local ABC affiliate KGO, stating, “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, emphasizing 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.”