In Serra Mesa, San Diego, a shocking murder case unfolds as two teenagers are accused of killing a 68-year-old homeless woman during a brutal "hobo hunting" game.
On May 7, Annette Pershal was found unconscious on Sandrock Road, having been shot multiple times with a pellet rifle while she was asleep. After being rushed to a hospital, Pershal suffered a stroke and passed away three days later. The tragic incident prompted an in-depth investigation by the San Diego Police Department (SDPD), ultimately resulting in the August 2 arrest of two teenagers: 18-year-old William Innes and 19-year-old Ryan Hopkins, as we reported here on Hoodline San Diego last week.
Pershal's death has been ruled a homicide, with Innes and Hopkins facing charges of murder and assault with a deadly weapon, respectively. Chilling text messages, revealed during their arraignment on August 7, exposed the malicious intentions behind what some individuals might otherwise have dismissed as "harmless" teenage antics. A mere 20 minutes before the fatal shooting, Innes allegedly sent a text message to a group chat stating, “I’m going hobo hunting with a pellet gun,” per NBC San Diego.
According to Deputy District Attorney Roza Egiazarian, prosecutor alleges that Hopkins drove Innes to Sandrock Road in his Toyota Camry, where Innes then fired several shots at Pershal from the car. The pair then fled the scene, leaving Pershal unconscious and without aid. With utter disregard for her suffering, the teenagers instead carried on with their disturbing game, leaving members of the community reeling in horror as details of the case came to light.
Despite what seems like overwhelming evidence, both Innes and Hopkins have pleaded not guilty in court, with their lawyers presenting alternative timelines and questioning the content of the text messages. Hopkins' defense attorney even contends that the message sent by Innes was received 12 hours after the attack on Pershal, as stated in NBC San Diego.
The death of Pershal has sparked outrage and sadness throughout the community, with some residents referring to her as 'Granny Annie.' Her daughter, Brandy Nazworth, spoke to ABC 10News via video call from Louisiana expressing her grief and emphasizing her mother's love for the people around her, stating, "She wouldn't bother anybody. She loved the neighborhood and I know she loved the community." Nazworth is devastated to learn of the untimely and violent end to her mother's life after years of struggling with homelessness and multiple health concerns.
While the legal battle continues for the young men accused of this heinous crime, the incident has forced a wider conversation around the treatment of homeless individuals in communities. Friends, family, and community members mourn the loss of Pershal and search for answers, as yet another horrifying violent act reveals the dark underbelly of society. With the investigation ongoing and additional information sought, the public is urged to come forward with any relevant knowledge regarding this tragic case.
