MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Two individuals are facing charges in connection with the fatal shooting of a doctor from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Marious Ward, 24, and Brandy Rucker, 23, were brought before the court on Wednesday for their alleged involvement in the death of 32-year-old Alexander Bulakhov.
According to court records, Bulakhov was killed while trying to defend his wife and daughter during a robbery in Downtown Memphis on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2024. The couple was walking with their 2-year-old daughter on Tennessee Street when they were confronted by a man wearing a ski-mask and holding a gun. The assailant demanded their property, and Bulakhov complied by handing over his wallet. When the perpetrator then demanded more valuables from Bulakhov’s wife, a struggle ensued, resulting in Bulakhov being shot.
Despite the charges being dismissed for Rucker, the case against Ward is ongoing. The court proceedings for the two individuals were attended on Wednesday morning, with updates on the case expected to follow.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, shedding light on the dangers faced by residents in the area and prompting discussions about public safety. As the investigation continues, the family and friends of Dr. Bulakhov seek justice while grieving the loss of their loved one who dedicated his life to saving children at St. Jude’s Research Hospital.
The impact of the senseless act of violence has resonated throughout the community, spurring calls for greater measures to ensure the safety of residents in Memphis. As the legal process unfolds, the memory of Dr. Bulakhov lives on as a reminder of the selfless individuals working to make a difference in the world.