Richmond, CA – A Northern California man has been sentenced to 95 years to life in prison for the brutal 2017 murder of his ex-girlfriend, a young mother who was gunned down in front of her children after repeatedly seeking help from police.
The Deadly Stalking That Turned into Murder
Authorities said 51-year-old lawyer Dushan McBride fatally shot 30-year-old Rashanda Franklin on April 4, 2017, in Richmond, California — just one day after she called police to report that he was stalking and harassing her.
Franklin had ended a nearly two-year relationship with McBride, but according to police reports, he continued to follow and threaten her. On the night before the murder, Franklin called authorities after McBride showed up at her home and tried to get inside. Officers took a report and left, unaware that tragedy would strike less than 24 hours later.
The Final Moments Caught on 911 Call
The next morning, Franklin loaded her two children into her Jeep to take them to school. As she arrived at a church parking lot in Richmond, she noticed McBride’s Mercedes trailing her. Frightened, she called 911 while trying to flee the area.
During the chase, McBride cut her off at the intersection of Rheem Avenue and 29th Street. He exited his vehicle, confronted her, and the horrifying moments that followed were recorded on the ongoing 911 call.
“I’ve got my kids in the car,” Franklin can be heard saying.
“I’m not playing with you,” McBride replied — before firing the fatal shot that struck Franklin in the torso.
Franklin died behind the wheel as her children watched in terror from the backseat.
Manhunt and Arrest in Sacramento
After the murder, McBride fled the scene and evaded capture for nearly a week. He was eventually located at a fast-food restaurant in Sacramento and taken into custody without incident.
Prosecutors charged him with murder, stalking, and firing into an occupied vehicle, along with firearm enhancements. After years of legal proceedings, he was found guilty and sentenced to 95 years to life in state prison.
Family Outrage Over Police Inaction
Franklin’s family has publicly criticized the Richmond Police Department, saying officers failed to protect her despite clear signs of escalating danger.
A former Richmond police captain later admitted that the department did not do enough to prevent the tragedy, stating:
“Everything I know about this incident now reinforces that we did not do enough to help her.”
District Attorney’s Statement on Domestic Violence
Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton issued a strong statement following McBride’s sentencing, emphasizing the broader implications of the case.
“This tragic case underscores the devastating reality of domestic violence, which claims far too many lives,” Becton said. “While no verdict can bring back a mother taken from her children, this sentence provides her family a measure of justice. It also sends a clear message that stalking and harassment are warning signs that must be taken seriously.”
The Broader Warning About Domestic Violence
Experts say Franklin’s case is a grim reminder of the danger many women face when leaving abusive partners. Domestic violence advocates urge victims to document every threat, seek restraining orders, and contact support organizations when law enforcement responses fall short.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 or via thehotline.org.
What are your thoughts on this case? Do you think police departments should face accountability when victims’ warnings are ignored? Share your opinions in the comments below.
