Richmond, CA – A California man has been sentenced to 95 years to life in prison for the brutal 2017 murder of his ex-girlfriend, whom he chased down and shot to death in front of her two young children after she ended their relationship.
A Deadly Ambush After Weeks of Harassment
According to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, 51-year-old Dushan McBride waited for 30-year-old Rashanda Franklin outside a church parking lot in Richmond, California, on April 14, 2017. Franklin had gone there to drop off her children, but when she spotted McBride—whom she feared—she called 911 and drove away instead.
Prosecutors said McBride had been stalking and harassing Franklin for weeks after she ended their two-year relationship. Moments later, he cut off her car near 29th Street and Rheem Avenue, jumped out, and confronted her as she remained on the phone with emergency dispatchers.
The chilling 911 recording captured Franklin’s desperate final words.
“I’ve got my kids in the car,” she pleaded.
Ignoring her cries, McBride responded,
“I ain’t playing with you,”
before firing several shots and killing her on the spot.
Children Witnessed the Fatal Shooting
Franklin’s two sons, ages 9 and 5, were in the backseat when the shooting occurred. Though they were not physically injured, their terrified screams could be heard throughout the 911 call.
Family members later described Franklin as a loving mother devoted to her boys.
“Those kids loved their mom,” Franklin’s aunt, Ummu Ikharo-Oza, told. “I know for sure.”
Jury Conviction and Sentencing
After a lengthy legal process, a jury found McBride guilty of first-degree murder, stalking, and firing into an occupied vehicle. He was also convicted of using a firearm to cause death, which added decades to his sentence.
The Contra Costa County Superior Court sentenced McBride to 95 years to life in prison, ensuring he will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Prosecutor’s Statement on Domestic Violence
In a public statement following the sentencing, District Attorney Diana Becton emphasized the broader impact of domestic violence cases like this one.
“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 in such a senseless act of violence, this sentence provides the victim’s family with a measure of justice and accountability.”
She added that stalking and harassment are red flags that must never be ignored, urging communities to take early threats seriously.
The Ongoing Fight Against Domestic Violence
This case highlights a persistent national concern: the link between stalking, harassment, and deadly domestic violence. Advocates stress that victims often face escalating danger when trying to leave abusive relationships.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), nearly one in four women in the U.S. experience severe intimate partner violence. Experts say recognizing early warning signs—such as tracking, threats, or unwanted following—can save lives.
Local organizations across California continue to offer resources for those in abusive situations, including hotlines, shelters, and legal support services.
Final Reflections
For Franklin’s family, the verdict marks the end of a long fight for justice but not the pain of losing a mother so violently. Community members hope her story will serve as a reminder to take every sign of domestic violence seriously before it’s too late.
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