San Diego, California – A young man has been sentenced to five years and eight months in state prison for fatally shooting a 68-year-old homeless woman in Serra Mesa last year with a pellet gun. William Innes, 19, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in connection with the killing of Annette Pershal, who was found unconscious on the morning of May 8, 2023, on Sandrock Road.
Known as “Granny Annie” or the “Queen of Serra Mesa,” Pershal died in the hospital three days after being shot in the head, leg, and torso, with one pellet rupturing her aorta, according to Deputy District Attorney Roza Egiazarian. Prosecutors allege that Innes sent a message to a group chat prior to the shooting, stating, “I’m going hobo hunting with a pellet gun,” and then, with co-defendant Ryan Hopkins, drove to Pershal’s encampment where she was shot.
During the sentencing hearing, Innes expressed deep remorse over the incident. However, his defense attorney argued that Hopkins played a larger role in the killing than previously believed, emphasizing that Hopkins knew Pershal, lived in the neighborhood where she set up her camp, and purchased the pellet gun used in the shooting. The defense attorney also claimed that Innes was not the only one to fire the pellet gun, suggesting that both individuals should share equal responsibility.
In August, police arrested both Hopkins and Innes. Innes, who was initially charged with murder, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, possessing an assault weapon, and using a dangerous weapon in the slaying. The agreed-upon sentence was five years and eight months in state prison.
Pershal’s daughter, Brandy Nazworth, shared that her mother had grown up in Serra Mesa and had previously worked as a parts analyst and a seamstress. Despite efforts by the family to have her move in with them in Louisiana after becoming homeless, Pershal chose to stay in the neighborhood she knew. Nazworth urged Innes to use the tragedy to better himself, emphasizing that her mother was not just a homeless person but a beloved family member.
Hopkins, who also played a role in the shooting, pleaded guilty to assault with a deadly weapon and was sentenced to one year in county jail, probation, and a suspended three-year prison term that could be invoked for probation violations. The family of the victim hopes that both individuals will take responsibility for their actions and strive for redemption in the wake of this senseless tragedy.