According to Fort Worth police, 25-year-old De Aujalae Evans was driving home from a house party in Grand Prairie early Monday morning when she drove the wrong way up the exit ramp and struck Sergeant Billy Randolph.
According to police, Sergeant Randolph was on the exit ramp from I-35W to Sycamore School Road working an accident when Evans drove through the accident scene at about 5:38 a.m.
On Tuesday morning, his body was taken from the Tarrant County Coroner’s Office to a funeral home accompanied by other police officers.
Evans, who lives in Fort Worth, has been charged with manslaughter while intoxicated causing the death of a police officer or firefighter. Police say her toxicology report is pending with the medical examiner.
In a tweet Tuesday, Tarrant County Commissioner Manny Ramirez said Evans “should never have gotten out of jail,” citing her criminal record.
According to documents, Evans pleaded guilty to one count of domestic violence for shooting someone last year.
A judge sentenced her to six years probation instead of prison.
Evans is now back behind bars in connection with Randolph’s death.
A memorial is being erected outside the police department’s South Division on Risinger Road, while neighbors write messages on Post-its and leave flowers and teddy bears on a patrol car parked in front of the building.
Karen Mitchell had never met Randolph, but came to show her support and deliver a message to his family.
“It’s going to be difficult. But just know that you are loved by many people and I just pray for your comfort and your peace in knowing that he is in a better place,” she said.
Residents of Rock House, an organization that provides services for people with disabilities, brought a poster to put on the car.
“We’ve all lost loved ones. They know what it feels like and they wanted to come and show their love and respect,” says Naomi Kelly, a trained intellectual disability professional at Rock House.
Even after his death, 56-year-old Randolph continues to inspire his community.
Fourteen-year-old Elizabeth Jackson said his death strengthened her dream.
“My desire to be a police officer changed a little bit. I thought, ‘Do I really want to do this? Or do I not want to do this?’ But then I realized I want to do this for my family. I want to do this for my community and I really want to protect and serve my city and help people in need,” she said.
A candlelight vigil is planned for Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. at the site where his temporary memorial currently stands: 3501 W. Risinger Rd., Fort Worth
A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Christ Chapel Bible Church, 3701 Birchman Ave., Fort Worth.
