Maximum sentence issued for man convicted of fatally shooting Amazon semi truck driver on I-5

A California man was sentenced to decades in prison for the shooting death of a commercial truck driver in Lathrop in 2023.

Manteca resident Andrew Watson was sentenced to the maximum allowable term of 40 years to life for the murder of 37 year old Amazon truck driver Ilkhom Shodiev, according to a September 23, 2025, statement from the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office.

Watson was convicted by a jury on charges of second-degree murder with a firearm enhancement and shooting at an occupied vehicle with an additional firearm enhancement.

Officials describe the shooting that occurred in Lathrop, California, shortly before 1 p.m. on June 15, 2023:

“…Watson merged onto northbound Interstate 5 from State Route 120 and initiated a deadly encounter. Dash camera footage revealed him swerving erratically, cutting into the slow lane, and positioning his vehicle alongside the victim’s truck. In a shocking act of violence, Watson fired multiple shots, one fatally striking the driver in the head. The victim’s truck careened off the freeway, crashing into a nearby building, while Watson fled.“

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) collected evidence including surveillance videos, dash cameras, witness accounts, and a partial license plate.

“Bank and cell phone records confirmed Watson’s presence at the scene at 12:46 p.m., and gunshot residue in his vehicle sealed his guilt,” the District Attorney said.

“This was a cold-blooded act that stole a life and endangered our community,” said District Attorney Ron Freitas. “The maximum sentence of 40 years to life reflects the severity of this crime and our commitment to justice for the victim and his family, who are left in unimaginable grief. I am grateful to the CHP and my prosecution team for their relentless pursuit of justice.”