A 32-year-old postdoctoral researcher from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was fatally shot during a robbery on the evening of November 12, 2023, in downtown Memphis, Tennessee.
Dr. Alexander Bulakhov, his wife Anastasia Bulakhov, and their two-year-old daughter were walking near Butler Park on Tennessee Street when they were confronted by an armed individual. The perpetrator, Marious Ward, aged 23, was wearing a hoodie and a ski mask and demanded the family’s belongings. Dr. Bulakhov handed over his wallet but was shot in a subsequent altercation when the assailant threatened his wife. He succumbed to his injuries after being transported to Regional One Hospital.
The Memphis Police Department initiated a homicide investigation, resulting in the capture of Ward and his getaway driver, Brandy Rucker, aged 22, the next day. They were found in a white Toyota Camry with significant damage, which was used as their escape vehicle. The pair face several charges, including first-degree murder and attempted murder.
Prior to relocating to Memphis in July, Dr. Bulakhov had spent four years at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn, New York. He had a doctorate in biotechnology and biochemistry and a master’s degree in chemistry. Having moved from Russia in 2018, he joined St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for his postdoctoral work.
In response to this incident, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has pledged support to the Bulakhov family. A fundraising campaign has been established, raising over $41,000 to assist Anastasia Bulakhov and their daughter.
