32-year-old Alexander Bulakhov Fatally Shot During Robbery in Tennessee

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Two Individuals Arrested for the Murder of St. Jude Hospital Employee in Tennessee

A shocking incident unfolded in Tennessee as a 23-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman were arrested for allegedly killing an employee of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The victim, a 32-year-old man named Alexander Bulakhov, was fatally shot during a robbery attempt while walking with his wife and their toddler. Marious Ward, the alleged shooter, and Brandy Rucker, the alleged getaway driver, were both taken into custody on Monday. They now face several charges, including first-degree murder and especially aggravated robbery.

According to court documents, the Memphis Police Department received an emergency call regarding a robbery with shots fired on November 12th. Officers rushed to the scene on Tennessee Street, where they found Bulakhov suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite being transported to Regional One Health in critical condition, he tragically succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

Bulakhov’s wife provided a harrowing account of the incident to investigators. She revealed that they were walking with their 2-year-old child when a man wearing a black hoodie and a ski mask approached them, brandishing a handgun and demanding their belongings. The victim handed over his wallet as instructed. However, when the suspect pointed the firearm at Bulakhov’s wife and demanded more property, he courageously attempted to defend her. A struggle ensued, resulting in Bulakhov being shot. The police later recovered a 9mm caliber spent shell casing from the scene.

Surveillance footage from the area captured the male suspect exiting a white 2013 Toyota Camry with specific damage. He then approached the victim and his family before shooting Bulakhov. The Camry, which had a missing rear bumper, a severely dented passenger side door, and a broken rear window covered with plastic and tape, was seen circling the area and appearing to search for potential victims before the murder took place.

On November 13th, authorities located a Camry matching the description of the vehicle in the surveillance footage. The car was found in the parking lot of the Whitney Manor Apartments. Rucker and Ward were observed entering the vehicle and were subsequently stopped by the police. During the traffic stop, Ward was found to be in possession of a 9mm handgun. Both suspects were then taken to the police station for questioning.

During the interrogation, Rucker admitted to being the driver of the Toyota Camry. She confessed to watching Ward exit the vehicle with a handgun, heading towards the area where the incident occurred, and then quickly returning to the car, urging her to flee the scene. Ward, on the other hand, confessed to being the gunman responsible for Bulakhov’s murder. He also revealed that the 9mm handgun found in his possession was the same weapon used in the fatal shooting.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital confirmed that the victim was a member of their community. In a statement, the hospital expressed deep sadness over the loss and extended their support to Bulakhov’s family during this difficult time. Bulakhov’s LinkedIn profile indicated that he worked at the hospital as a post-doctoral researcher.

In addition to the murder and robbery charges, Rucker and Ward are also facing counts of murder in perpetration of an aggravated robbery, attempted first-degree murder, employing a firearm in the commission of a felony, and attempted aggravated robbery.

The shocking tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and safety measures. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to ensure justice is served for the senseless killing of Alexander Bulakhov..