MEMPHIS, Tenn. — UPDATES TO THIS STORY: Charges dismissed for one, case sent to grand jury for other suspect accused of killing St. Jude employee defending his family
Affidavits for the suspects charged with the murder of a St. Jude employee who died after a shooting Sunday night in downtown Memphis reveal new details about what happened.
Marious Ward, 23, and a 22-year-old woman were charged with first-degree murder and more in the death of Alexander Bulakhov, 32. (Charges against the woman were dismissed Jan. 31, 2024.)
Memphis Police responded to a call about a robbery with shots fired about 8 p.m. on 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."
The affidavit said police found the vehicle on Monday, Nov. 13, at the Whitney Manor Apartments, with the suspects driving it. Police conducted a traffic stop, and investigators said Ward had a handgun on him.
According to the affidavit, both suspects waived their Miranda Rights. Police said the woman 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.
St. Jude confirmed Bulakhov was an employee, saying they are "deeply saddened by the loss of a valued member of the St. Jude community."
Both suspects were originally charged with first-degree murder and perpetration of an aggravated robbery, especially aggravated robbery, criminal attempt first-degree murder, employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony and criminal attempt aggravated robbery, according to MPD.