Charges dismissed for one defendant in St. Jude doctor’s death; wife points to Ward as shooter

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — One of the two people accused in the murder of a St. Jude researcher is expected to be released for now after a judge’s ruling Wednesday.

But the case is not over for Brandy Rucker in the November death of Dr. Alexander Bulakhov.

Judge Sheila Bruce Renfro said Wednesday there was no probable cause against Rucker in the case, and the charges against her were dismissed.

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Court records show 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 Wednesday.

“We are just trying to see if the state has enough evidence to move forward with an indictment,” Judge Renfro said.

The Shelby County District Attorney’s office said Thursday that they are expediting the case against Rucker to a grand jury for an indictment in criminal court. Charges were dismissed — not dropped — only because law enforcement was unable to identify the defendant, the office said.

“The case is not over and our office is committed to seeking justice for Dr. Alexander Bulakhov,” a statement from the DA’s office said.

Rucker and co-defendant Marious Ward, both facing murder and aggravated robbery charges, were in court for a hearing Wednesday. Ward, the alleged triggerman, will remain locked up.

Blake Ballin, the attorney for Ward, confirmed there was a romantic relationship between the two defendants.

Bulakhov, 32, who had recently moved to Memphis for a research job at St. Jude, was shot dead in November in front of his wife and young child in an apparent robbery on Tennessee Street in Downtown Memphis.

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Bulakhov’s wife, Anastasiia Bulakhova, testified with the help of a Russian interpreter Wednesday, pointing out the man she said pulled a gun on her family before uttering the words “Give me your money!” The suspect was wearing a ski mask, but Bulakhova said she recognized his eyes.

The bailiff read the armband of the inmate: Marious Ward.

Around 12:30 p.m., Judge Sheila Bruce Renfro’s courtroom was briefly evacuated for a fire alarm. Everyone was allowed back into the courtroom around 12:54 p.m.

WREG will update this post when new information becomes available.

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