FORT WORTH, Texas — The woman who police accused of killing a Fort Worth police sergeant along I-35W Monday morning was on probation for shooting a woman in March of 2023, court records show.
De Aujalae Evans, 25, pleaded guilty in April 2024 and was sentenced to six years of probation. She was originally indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon -- and was ordered to refrain from alcohol as a condition of her probation, records showed.
Fort Worth police allege she was drunk when she drove the wrong way up an I-35W exit ramp and hit Sgt. Billy Randolph, who was working a wreck on the interstate Monday morning. She's now charged with Intoxication Manslaughter Causing the Death of a Peace Officer.
"The circumstances surrounding the death of Sergeant Billy Randolph have brought renewed attention to the legal handling of some serious felony cases," wrote the Fort Worth Police Association on Facebook, after news broke of the previous charges Evans faced. "The circumstances surrounding the death of Sergeant Billy Randolph have brought renewed attention to the legal handling of some serious felony cases."
They point out the plea agreement that placed her on probation "allowed Evans to remain out in the public without serving any prison time for the crime in which she was convicted."
The memorial on the police cruiser parked outside Fort Worth's South Patrol Division Headquarters continued to grow Tuesday as mourners brought by flowers and notes.
"I’ve heard a lot of stories about him so I wanted to show a little respect," said Nancy Cox, who dropped off flowers. "It's really touching."
A group of people from Rockhouse, a service provider for adults with intellectual disabilities, came to share their condolences too.
"A lot of the residents they just, they felt really sad," said Naomi Kelly, who works at Rockhouse. "They wanted to do something special to show their condolences."
She said the folks at Rockhouse know how community love feels -- and how much a loss can hurt.
"I was shocked, and I was like why him," said Paige, one of the Rockhouse residents.
Candlelight vigil to honor Fort Worth Police Sgt. Billy Randolph
Looking at the outpouring of flowers and notes left by her friends at Rockhouse and others in the community, Paige said it is clear what the support shows about Randolph.
"I think that he's loved," she said. "And also I know that the community will miss a great sergeant."
Randolph's life will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at Christ Chapel Bible Church, 3701 Birchman Avenue. You can watch the memorial service live here.
A candlelight vigil will be held to honor Randolph at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at FWPD South Patrol Division, 3501 W. Risinger Rad.