Manteca Resident Found Guilty in I-5 Shooting of Delivery Driver

A Manteca man has been convicted of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of an Amazon truck driver on Interstate 5 near Lathrop, in a case that shocked the Central Valley and left a family grieving. The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office announced the conviction of Andrew Watson on Wednesday following an intense investigation and trial.

The Fatal Incident on Interstate 5

On June 15, 2023, Andrew Watson merged onto northbound I-5 from Highway 120 near Lathrop and began swerving erratically. Prosecutors said Watson cut into the slow lane and pulled his vehicle beside an Amazon delivery truck driven by Ilkhom Shodiev, 37. Watson then fired multiple gunshots into Shodiev’s semi-truck, striking him in the head and killing him instantly. The truck veered off the freeway and crashed into parked cars before slamming into a building as Watson fled the scene.

Building a Case Through Surveillance and Forensics

The investigation utilized surveillance footage, dashcam video, and witness statements to piece together the events. Partial license plate information helped identify Watson’s vehicle, and cellphone and bank records placed him at the scene of the shooting. Crucially, gunshot residue found in Watson’s car further sealed the case against him, strengthening the prosecution’s argument that Watson was the shooter.

The Victim’s Life and Impact

Ilkhom Shodiev was a father of two and resided in Charlotte, North Carolina. Friends and family described him as a hardworking and joyful man who was simply doing his job on the day he died. A GoFundMe campaign was launched in his memory to support his children, reflecting the profound loss suffered by his family.

Legal Outcome and Upcoming Sentencing

In addition to the second-degree murder conviction, Watson was found guilty of shooting at an occupied vehicle. Both charges carry firearm enhancements. Watson, now 29, has been held without bail since his arrest. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 23, facing potentially significant prison time for the senseless act.

Community and Law Enforcement Response

San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas called the shooting a "senseless act of violence" and praised law enforcement and prosecutors for delivering justice for Shodiev and his family. The case has been a somber reminder of the ongoing issues with violence on California’s highways, resonating deeply throughout the community.

In conclusion, the conviction of Andrew Watson brings some measure of closure to the tragic shooting that took the life of a dedicated Amazon driver. As sentencing approaches, the case underscores the human cost of road rage and the tireless work of investigators committed to justice.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation recently conducted an intensive two-day grid search near Rock Island Campground in Leavenworth, Washington, uncovering “potential evidence” as part of the ongoing manhunt for Travis Decker. Decker, a former Army soldier and wilderness survivalist, is wanted for murdering his three young daughters and has disappeared into the dense wilderness, sparking a large-scale search operation.

Search Operation Details

The FBI deployed nearly 100 personnel, including specialty teams, to comb through approximately 250 acres of heavily vegetated terrain. The teams expanded their search beyond the initially planned perimeter, utilizing electronic mapping to ensure thorough coverage of the challenging landscape. Authorities emphasized the importance of conducting repeated, meticulous searches in such difficult environments, leading to the discovery of several items now under analysis to determine their connection to Decker or the case.

Background on Travis Decker and the Crimes

Travis Decker has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of kidnapping related to the deaths of his daughters Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5. The girls’ bodies were discovered in Decker’s truck near the Rock Island Campground after he failed to return them following a planned visitation with their mother. DNA evidence has conclusively implicated Decker as the sole suspect in the murders.

Current Status of the Manhunt

Despite intensive search efforts, there is no conclusive evidence indicating whether Decker remains alive. Authorities have released photos illustrating how he may have altered his appearance to aid in his evasion. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office continues to lead the investigation with the support of federal agencies. A reward of up to $20,000 has been announced to encourage the public to provide information leading to Decker’s capture.

Community and Law Enforcement Efforts

The search has drawn significant resources and community involvement, with law enforcement coordinating complex operations through rough terrain and dense vegetation. The FBI’s efforts demonstrate the continued commitment to solving this heartbreaking case and apprehending a fugitive considered dangerous.

Challenges Ahead

The expansive wilderness where Decker is believed to be hiding presents formidable obstacles for search teams. His survival skills and military background add to concerns about his capacity to remain undetected. The ongoing analysis of recovered evidence will be crucial in advancing the investigation and narrowing the search.

In summary, the FBI’s recent search near Rock Island Campground has yielded promising potential evidence in the prolonged manhunt for Travis Decker, who is wanted for the tragic murders of his three daughters. While the search intensifies, authorities remain vigilant as they work to bring resolution to this distressing case.