Tarrant County leaders and law enforcement officials are expressing deep concern and questioning the circumstances that allowed a suspect, who was involved in the tragic death of a Fort Worth police sergeant, to be free at the time of the incident.
The suspect, identified as 25-year-old De Aujalae Evans, was recently out on probation after pleading guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a decision that is now under intense scrutiny.
Community Mourns the Loss of Sergeant Billy Randolph
The community in Fort Worth is grieving the loss of Sergeant Billy Randolph, a dedicated officer who was tragically killed in the line of duty. Randolph was hit and killed by a suspected drunk driver, later identified as Evans.
The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief from family, friends, and colleagues, who have been leaving flowers and balloons at the Fort Worth South Division as a tribute to the fallen officer.
Details of the Suspect’s Criminal Background
Evans had a troubling criminal history prior to the incident that claimed Sergeant Randolph’s life. In March 2023, she was involved in a violent altercation in which she shot another woman, who was identified as her romantic partner.
Despite the severity of the crime, Evans was able to secure a plea deal that resulted in a probation sentence rather than prison time. In April 2024, just a few months before the fatal incident involving Sergeant Randolph, Evans was sentenced to 72 months of probation.
Law Enforcement’s Reaction to the Plea Deal
The decision to grant Evans probation rather than a prison sentence has sparked outrage within the law enforcement community. Many officers and leaders are questioning why someone with a history of violent behavior was not given a harsher sentence.
The Lake Worth Police Chief expressed disbelief that probation was even considered for someone who had demonstrated a clear propensity for violence by shooting her domestic partner. He, along with others, believes that the criminal justice system failed by allowing Evans to remain on the streets.
Calls for a Review of Plea Bargains
The circumstances surrounding Evans’ release have prompted calls for a reevaluation of how plea bargains are handled in Tarrant County. A county commissioner, who is also a former police officer, emphasized the need for a broader conversation about the criminal justice system and whether it is adequately protecting the community.
He highlighted the pain and suffering that Sergeant Randolph’s family is enduring and expressed a desire to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies.
Response from the Tarrant County District Attorney
In response to the growing criticism, the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office issued a statement explaining their approach to plea bargains. The office stated that each case is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering several factors, including the facts of the case, the available evidence, and the wishes of the victim.
The District Attorney’s Office emphasized that the system is designed to ensure that community risk is a primary consideration in their decisions. However, the tragic outcome of this case has led many to question whether the system is functioning as intended.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
As the investigation into Sergeant Randolph’s death continues, the incident has cast a spotlight on the broader issues within the criminal justice system. The tragic loss has left a deep impact on the Fort Worth community, particularly within the law enforcement community, where the pain of losing a fellow officer is acutely felt.
The questions raised by this case may lead to significant changes in how plea deals are negotiated and how individuals with violent backgrounds are monitored and sentenced.
The death of Sergeant Randolph has become a rallying point for those advocating for stronger protections for law enforcement officers and a more stringent approach to sentencing violent offenders.
As the community mourns the loss of a respected officer, the call for justice and reform grows louder, with many hoping that this tragedy will lead to meaningful changes that prevent similar incidents in the future.
