Accused Shooter in Killing of Woodland Hills Doctor Pledges Not Guilty
Suspect Arrested in Houston with FBI Assistance
Evan Hardman, 41, of Tomball, Texas, has pleaded not guilty to one felony count of murder and one felony count of assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the killing of a 61-year-old Woodland Hills doctor. Hardman was arrested in Houston earlier last year with the assistance of the FBI, according to court and jail records.
Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty
Hardman is one of three individuals charged in the murder of Dr. Hamid Mirshojae, who was shot to death in August as he left his urgent care clinic on Topanga Canyon Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley. His ex-wife, Ahang Mirshojae, 53, of Calabasas, and Sarallah Jawed, 26, of Canoga Park, are also facing murder charges.
Murder-for-Hire Allegations
Prosecutors believe that Dr. Mirshojae was specifically targeted in the attack, which they have described as a murder-for-hire. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has charged Mirshojae with murder with a special circumstance allegation of lying in wait and murder for financial gain. She is also facing a felony count of assault with a deadly weapon in connection with an alleged baseball bat attack on her former husband on May 3.
Investigation and Charges
Hardman and Jawed are also charged in connection with the alleged May 3 attack, which is believed to be a precursor to the murder. The FBI and local law enforcement agencies are working together to investigate the case.
Next Steps
Hardman will remain in jail until at least March 17, when attorneys will discuss bail and set a preliminary hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is accused of killing Dr. Hamid Mirshojae?
- Evan Hardman, Ahang Mirshojae, and Sarallah Jawed
- What are the charges against the accused?
- Hardman: one felony count of murder, one felony count of assault with a deadly weapon
- Mirshojae: one felony count of murder with special circumstances, one felony count of assault with a deadly weapon
- Jawed: one felony count of murder
- What is the motive behind the murder?
- Prosecutors believe that Dr. Mirshojae was specifically targeted in a murder-for-hire
- What is the next step in the case?
- Hardman will remain in jail until at least March 17, when attorneys will discuss bail and set a preliminary hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial
