A La Mesa man accused of fatally shooting a 27-year-old mother of three as she drove along state Route 94 pleaded not guilty in court on Wednesday.
Thomas Evans III, 47, was charged with murder in the death of Saundralina Williams, who drove westbound on SR-94 in her Ford SUV on March 5 with two passengers at the time of the shooting. The La Mesa man faces four counts, one for murder, two for attempted murder, and one for shooting at an occupied car.
The California Highway Patrol stated that a vehicle pulled up behind Williams, a National City resident, and fired several shots.
Williams was hospitalized from the incident but later died of her injuries.
Her passengers remained uninjured.
Evans was arrested at his home nearly three weeks after the shooting. According to CHP, a search warrant was conducted during his arrest, and had recovered what they believed was the weapon used in the shooting.
Authorities have not released any information on whether or not Williams and Evans knew each other. It is also not known if Evans had any priors.
“We know the arrest will not bring Ms. Williams back, but we hope that the arrest of the man suspected of her murder will give her family some closure. The CHP is dedicated to ensuring those who commit crimes of violence on our highways will be caught and brought to justice,” said CHP Chief Scott Parker.
According to the San Diego District Attorney's office, Evans is being held without bail, and his next court appearance is scheduled for April 8.
