MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A judge has ruled that Brandy Rucker, one of the individuals implicated in the murder of St. Jude researcher Dr. Alexander Bulakhov, will be released for the time being. This decision came after Judge Sheila Bruce Renfro deemed that there was no probable cause against Rucker in the November death of the researcher.
Rucker’s charges of first-degree murder, especially aggravated robbery, murder in perpetration of a felony, attempted murder, attempted aggravated robbery, and employment of a firearm in a felony were dismissed on Wednesday. Rucker, along with co-defendant Marious Ward, is accused of murder and aggravated robbery; however, Ward, alleged as the triggerman, will remain incarcerated.
Dr. Alexander Bulakhov, 32, was fatally shot in November in front of his wife and young child during a suspected robbery on Tennessee Street in Downtown Memphis. His wife, Anastasiia Bulakhova, testified with the assistance of a Russian interpreter, pointing out the man she claimed to have pulled a gun on her family before demanding money and wearing a ski mask. She mentioned identifying him through his eyes.
During a court session, the bailiff read the arm band of the inmate, identifying him as Marious Ward. The courtroom was briefly evacuated for a fire alarm but everyone was allowed back in after a short period.
As new details become available, WREG will provide updates.