2 Memphis Women Arrested And Charged With Murder After Robbery Attempt

An employee who worked at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Downtown Memphis was shot and killed

An employee who worked at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Downtown Memphis was shot and killed Nov. 12. Police officers have apprehended two people suspected of committing the crime.

According to WREG Memphis, two women, Marious Ward, 23, and Brandy Rucker, 22, were arrested and charged after allegedly shooting 32-year-old Alexander Bulakhov. The victim was rushed to Regional One Hospital, but efforts to save him failed as he died from his injuries.

Police officers were summoned to the scene on Tennessee Street and West Butler Avenue by Butler Park just before 8 p.m. that Sunday night, where they discovered the 32-year-old victim suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to the hospital in critical condition according to the police. The cops say the crime was the result of an alleged attempt robbery by the two women who “fled the scene in a white Toyota Camry.”

The two suspects, Ward and Rucker, were hit with six different charges after law enforcement found them in the area Monday afternoon, Nov. 13. After an investigation led them to that location, they arrested both women and retrieved the vehicle they were alleged to have escaped in. The pair was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree murder in preparation 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.

UPDATE: ARRESTS MADE IN TENNESSEE STREET HOMICIDE

— Memphis Police Dept (@MEM_PoliceDept) November 14, 2023

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital released a statement acknowledging that Bulakhov was an employee.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a valued member of the St. Jude community. Our thoughts are with Alexander’s family and we are working to support them during this difficult time.”

The mayor of Memphis, Jim Strickland commented on the tragedy.

“My heart was broken. And then obviously I prayed for the family immediately,” he said.

“The overall message needs to be, if you commit a crime and you’re arrested, you will be treated extraordinarily seriously. If it’s a violent crime, zero tolerance.”

City officials have asked if anyone has any information pertaining to this crime, to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.