California Man Pleads Guilty to Aiding Friend in Homeless Woman’s Pellet Gun Murder
By Richard Pollina
Published Dec. 3, 2023, 3:19 a.m. ET
Ryan Hopkins, a 19-year-old California man, sobbed in court as he pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting assault with a deadly weapon for driving his friend, William Innes, who shot and killed 68-year-old Annette Pershal with a pellet gun while she slept outside a coffee shop in May. The incident was described by the perpetrators as “hobo hunting”.
Hopkins received a suspended three-year prison term, which could be imposed if he violates his terms of probation after serving six months in jail. His defense attorney argued that Hopkins was unaware of Innes’ intentions when he got in the car, despite evidence of text messages in a group chat suggesting otherwise.
The prosecutor argued that Hopkins pleading guilty meant he was well aware of the crime, citing the fact that he drove himself and Innes across the street, stopped right before Pershal, who was shot multiple times with the pellet gun, and watched to see if they hit their target.
Annette Pershal, fondly known as “Granny Annie” in her neighborhood, was a beloved figure. Her daughter, Brandy Nazworth, expressed shock and devastation at the senseless act of violence that led to her mother’s death. Pershal was struck in the head, leg, and torso with pellets, and one pellet ended up rupturing her aorta. She was pronounced dead a few days after the incident.
Innes, who has been charged with first-degree murder for the shooting, remains in custody without bail and is awaiting his trial readiness hearing later this month. The case has stirred strong emotions in the community, with many residents expressing outrage and sadness at the loss of Granny Annie.
The senseless and tragic nature of Pershal’s death has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for justice, as the community mourns the loss of a beloved member.