MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A second suspect indicted in the murder of a St. Jude employee in front of his family in November 2023 has been rearrested, according to court records.
Brandy Rucker was re-arrested Aug. 19, 2024, and is being held on $1,000,000 bond. She was arraigned on the charges Aug. 28.
Rucker and Marious Ward were both indicted on April 11, 2024, on charges of first-degree murder, especially aggravated robbery, attempted aggravated robbery, and aggravated assault in the Nov. 12, 2023, death of Alexander Bulakhov, 32.
Ward was previously being held without bond, before it was set at $275,000 during a hearing June 18, according to court records. He remains in the Shelby County Jail.
Following Ward's bond hearing, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy issued a statement saying the bond amount was "insufficient" and had a disproportionate weight to that of the "severity of the crime," adding that his office respects the decision but believes Ward should await trial behind bars.
"This is a violent gun crime against an innocent person with overwhelming proof," Mulroy's statement read. "Our Office argued to the Court that the Defendant is a danger to the community, that the facts of the case are egregious, that the likelihood of conviction is exceptionally high, and that expected punishment equals or exceeds a life sentence. The Court rejected these arguments and set bail at $275,000."
Charges previously dismissed against Rucker
On Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, the case against Rucker was dismissed by Judge Sheila Renfroe due to a lack of probable cause, according to court records.
Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy's Office said at the time the judge dismissed the charges "because law enforcement was unable to identify the defendant." The D.A. said they are "expediting the case to the grand jury to get an indictment so that the defendant faces charges in criminal court."
"This case is not over and our office is committed to seeking justice for Dr. Alexander Bulakhov," said the D.A.'s office.
According to court records, Rucker was indicted April 11, 2024.
The shooting
Memphis Police responded to a call about a robbery with shots fired about 8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, near Butler Park off of Tennessee Street. They found Bulakhov shot, and police said he was taken to Regional One Hospital, where died from his injuries.
According to the police affidavits, Bulakhov's wife told investigators the couple and their 2-year-old child were walking in the area of Tennessee St. when a man with a gun and in a ski mask walked up and demanded money. She told police her husband gave the man his wallet, and then the man pointed the gun at her and demanded more. The affidavit said Bulakhov then tried to defend his wife and struggled with the suspect for the gun, and that's when Bulakhov was shot.
The affidavit said video from the area showed the suspect get out of a 2013 white Toyota Camry and walk toward the couple and their child, and shoot Bulakhov. Investigators said video showed the same vehicle, which had heavy damage, circling the area before the shooting, "making an erratic U-turn, appearing to be casing for potential victims."
St. Jude confirmed Bulakhov was an employee, saying they are "deeply saddened by the loss of a valued member of the St. Jude community."
The original arrests
According to the affidavit, police found the vehicle driven by Ward and Rucker on Monday, Nov. 13, at the Whitney Manor Apartments. Police conducted a traffic stop, and investigators said Ward had a handgun on him.
Investigators said in the affidavit both Ward and Rucker waived their Miranda Rights. Police said Rucker admitted to driving the car and watching Ward get out with the gun then rush back to the car at the time of the shooting. Investigators said Ward admitted to shooting Bulakhov with the gun that was found on him at the time of the arrest.