Driver admits guilt in homeless woman’s San Diego death.

Teen Pleads Guilty in Fatal Shooting of Homeless Woman

SAN DIEGO—In ⁢a shocking turn‍ of events,‍ a 19-year-old man has pleaded guilty to assault with‌ a deadly weapon in connection with the fatal shooting of a homeless woman. The incident took place in Serra Mesa, where the victim, 68-year-old Annette Pershal,‌ was ‍tragically⁣ shot with ‍a pellet gun.

According to Deputy District Attorney Roza Egiazarian, ‍Ms. ‍Pershal sustained multiple injuries,⁣ including a pellet ‌that ruptured ‌her aorta.​ Despite receiving medical treatment, she ⁤sadly passed away‌ three days⁢ later.

Driver’s Role in the‌ Tragic Incident

Prosecutors allege that the defendant, ‍Ryan ‌Hopkins,⁣ drove the alleged killer, 18-year-old William Innes, ⁢to⁢ the location⁢ where the shooting took place. Shockingly, it is reported that Mr. Innes announced his intentions in a group chat, stating, “I’m going hobo⁢ hunting with a pellet​ gun.”

While Mr. ‌Innes faces charges of ⁢murder and firearm-related counts, Mr.‌ Hopkins has been released on‌ bail. However, he​ could still face up to three years ⁤in ⁤state prison⁢ for his⁢ involvement in the‌ crime.

A Case of ⁤Unfortunate Decisions

During Mr. Hopkins’ change of plea hearing, his defense attorney, Vikas ⁢Bajaj, emphasized that his client‍ had made a⁣ series ‍of⁣ uninformed decisions and had no ​prior ⁢criminal history. ‍Mr. Bajaj described Mr. Hopkins as having ​”a warm and caring heart” and ⁢expressed his ‍intention to argue ⁢for probation instead of a⁤ harsher sentence.

According to Ms. Egiazarian, Mr. ​Innes ⁣sent the disturbing message about “hobo hunting” just minutes before the shooting⁣ occurred. The prosecutor alleges that the pair then drove to the ⁣victim’s encampment ‍and Mr. Innes fired ​multiple rounds at her from the car.

Both Mr. Hopkins ⁤and ⁣Mr. Innes were apprehended earlier ⁤this month, and​ the⁣ rifle believed to have been⁤ used in the crime was ​seized.