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New information as suspects appear in court, charged in murder of St. Jude employee defending his family

Marious Ward remains charged with first-degree murder and more in the Nov. 12, 2023, death of Alexander Bulakhov.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Find an update on this case here: Charges dismissed for one, case sent to grand jury for other suspect accused of killing St. Jude employee defending his family

We are learning more about the suspects charged with the murder of a St. Jude employee who police said was defending his family during an armed robbery in downtown Memphis.

Marious Ward, 23, and a 22-year-old woman were charged with first-degree murder and more in the Nov. 12, 2023, death of Alexander Bulakhov, 32. (Charges were dismissed Jan. 31, 2024, against the woman.)

In court Nov. 15, 2023, Ward told the judge he had just gotten a job at Amazon after his employment had been unstable, and he had been living with his grandmother. A judge assigned Ward a public defender.

An attorney who said she was representing the woman told ABC24 at that time they were meeting with her and are still trying to determine what happened, and what the relationship is between the two.

Ward faces the possibility of life in prison, or the D.A. could seek the death penalty.

The shooting

Memphis Police responded to a call about a robbery with shots fired about 8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12, 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 arrests

According to the affidavit, police found the vehicle on Monday, Nov. 13, at the Whitney Manor Apartments, with the two suspects driving it. Police conducted a traffic stop, and investigators said Ward had a handgun on him.

Investigators said in 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.

Ward and the woman 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.

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