Williams and Townsel had criminal records for theft but nothing more violent than snatching a purse. 5 when a Hemet police officer stopped her for jaywalking and discovered the warrant. 3 in Perris, and Townsel was arrested on Sept. Sheriff’s investigators recognized them from the video. 4.Ĭommitting a robbery during a murder made the defendants eligible to receive the death penalty, but District Attorney Mike Hestrin did not pursue that punishment.Īfter the attack, warrants were issued for the arrests of the suspects. Prosecutors contended that Assad fell or was knocked down and hit her head during the robbery, leading to her death on Sept.
