CALIFORNIA – A judge on October 10 sentenced 51-year-old Lawyer Dushan McBride to life in prison for the 2017 murder of Rashanda Franklin.

Judge Mary Ann O’Malley sentenced McBride to 95 years to life in state prison. This consists of a determinate sentence of 20 years and 4 months, followed by an indeterminate sentence of 75 years to life.

McBride, who was 43 at the time, waited for Franklin, 30, in a church parking lot where she dropped off her children for school. 

He had stalked and harassed her for weeks after she ended their two-year relationship. Fearing for her safety, Franklin called 911 and drove off with her children in the car.

As they neared 29th Street and Rheem Avenue in Richmond, McBride cut off Franklin’s car and got out to confront her. 

The 911 recording captured Franklin’s plea: “I’ve got my kids in the car.” McBride replied, “I ain’t playing with you,” then shot and killed her.

Stalking and harassment are serious warning signs

In addition to murder, McBride was sentenced for firing into an occupied vehicle, stalking, and using a firearm to cause death.

Contra Costa County district attorney Diana Becton said this tragic case underscores the reality of domestic violence, which claims far too many lives.

“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,” Becton said.

She added that stalking and harassment are serious warning signs and that those who commit such violence will be held responsible.

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