DA Announces Additional Charges in Woodland Hills Doctor Murder
On December 16, 2024, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced additional charges in the murder of Dr. Hamid Mirshojae, who was fatally shot outside his Woodland Hills medical clinic on August 23, 2024. The DA’s office has filed charges against Dr. Mirshojae’s ex-wife, Ahang Mirshojae (also known as Ahang Kelk), in connection with the murder.
This update follows earlier charges against Evan Hardman, Sarallah Jawed, and Ashley Rose Sweeting, who are accused of planning and carrying out the murder. The prosecution now alleges that Ahang Mirshojae orchestrated and financially motivated the crime, leading to the death of her former husband.
Summary of Events
On August 23, 2024, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Dr. Hamid Mirshojae was fatally shot while walking from his medical office in Woodland Hills to his vehicle. The shooter, identified as Evan Hardman, allegedly carried out the attack at the direction of Dr. Mirshojae’s ex-wife, Ahang Mirshojae. Prosecutors claim that Ahang Mirshojae hired Hardman and co-defendant Sarallah Jawed to commit the murder for financial gain.
The investigation further revealed that the August shooting was preceded by an earlier assault on May 3, 2024, during which Dr. Mirshojae was attacked with a blunt object. Prosecutors allege that Ahang Mirshojae also orchestrated this earlier assault, hiring Hardman and Jawed to carry it out.
Each defendant played a distinct role in the crime. Evan Hardman is accused of being the shooter and personally discharging a firearm, causing the death of Dr. Mirshojae. Sarallah Jawed is alleged to have facilitated the murder and assisted Hardman in fleeing the state after the crime. Meanwhile, Ashley Rose Sweeting is accused of driving Hardman to and from the scene of the murder and acting as an accessory after the fact.
Prosecutors contend that the motive behind both the May assault and the August murder was financial gain, which serves as an aggravating factor in the charges. The case highlights the deliberate planning and coordination among the defendants, resulting in the tragic death of Dr. Mirshojae.
Charges Filed
Murder (California Penal Code § 187):
- Murder is defined as the unlawful killing of another human being with malice aforethought.
- The prosecution has alleged special circumstances, including:
- Lying in Wait: The deliberate concealment of intent, waiting for an opportunity to carry out the attack.
- Financial Gain: The murder was allegedly committed as part of a scheme for monetary benefit.
A conviction for murder with special circumstances can result in a life sentence without the possibility of paroleor even the death penalty, depending on the outcome of the case.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon (California Penal Code § 245(a)(1)):
This charge relates to the May 3, 2024, assault on Dr. Mirshojae using a blunt object.
Assault with a deadly weapon is a wobbler offense, meaning it can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor. In this case, the prosecution has charged it as a felony, which carries penalties of:
Up to 4 years in state prison.
Substantial fines and restitution.
Accessory After the Fact (California Penal Code § 32):
Ashley Rose Sweeting is charged with assisting Hardman after the crime by driving him to and from the scene and facilitating his escape.
This felony charge carries up to 3 years in state prison.
Legal Implications of Special Circumstances
The allegations of lying in wait and financial gain significantly elevate the severity of the murder charge against Ahang Mirshojae. Under California Penal Code § 190.2, special circumstances make the offense eligible for the harshest penalties available under California law.
- Lying in Wait: This aggravating factor involves deliberate planning and concealment, where the defendant waits for an opportunity to ambush the victim.
- Financial Gain: This applies when the murder is motivated by monetary benefit, such as life insurance, inheritance, or other financial schemes.
If proven, these special circumstances eliminate the possibility of parole and may result in a life sentence without paroleor a death sentence under California law.
Ongoing Investigation and Court Proceedings
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), alongside partner agencies, has been investigating this case since August. Law enforcement efforts have led to the arrests of all defendants:
- Evan Hardman: Arrested on December 10, 2024, in Texas. He is awaiting extradition to California.
- Sarallah Jawed: Arrested on December 11, 2024, and is being held without bail.
- Ashley Rose Sweeting: Arraigned on December 12, 2024, and pleaded not guilty. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 24, 2024, in Dept. 50 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.
- Ahang Mirshojae: Scheduled for arraignment today in Dept. 30 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. The prosecution is seeking no bail due to the severity of the charges.
The case is being handled by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Major Crimes Division, with ongoing collaboration from the LAPD. The court will now determine the next steps as the defendants move through the arraignment and preliminary hearing process.
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