NEWTON COUNTY – A Newton County jury has deemed David Ruffin, Jr. responsible of a number of costs related to taking pictures a neighborhood Walmart worker on Dec. 30, 2023.
Ruffin was discovered responsible of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm in the course of the fee of a felony, tampering with proof and prison trespass, in response to a press launch from the Newton County District Lawyer’s Workplace.
In response to the discharge, after being discovered responsible of these 4 costs, Ruffin selected to submit a responsible plea for 2 extra costs that had been nonetheless beneath jury deliberation: Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon throughout a criminal offense.
Ruffin was already a convicted felon on the time of the incident. It isn’t instantly clear what crimes Ruffin had dedicated up to now.
In response to the discharge, Ruffin’s mom had been engaged in an “altercation” with an worker of the Walmart on Salem Street in Newton County.
The worker was not recognized within the press launch, however earlier studies by The Covington Information title the worker as Christopher Scott.
The Information reported in December 2023 that Scott and Ruffin’s mom’s “altercation” was inside the shop. Then, when Scott exited the constructing, he was “accosted” by Ruffin within the parking zone.
Ruffin and Scott reportedly had a bodily altercation earlier than gunfire broke out. Ruffin shot Scott “in every leg,” The Information beforehand reported.
Scott was hospitalized and later launched. Warrants had been issued for Scott’s involvement beneath easy battery costs.
On the time of the incident, Ruffin and his mom had been reportedly taken into police custody. Ruffin was initially charged with aggravated assault, and his mom didn’t obtain any costs.
“At trial, the Defendant claimed that he was performing in protection of his mom,” the discharge said. “Nevertheless, the proof introduced led to the jury clearly rejecting this declare.”
Ruffin stays in custody as he awaits sentencing. A date for the sentencing listening to is just not available.
“The District Lawyer’s Workplace is dedicated to prosecuting violent offenses that put our communities in danger,” stated District Lawyer Randy McGinley. “I’m pleased with the prosecution crew, my complete workplace, native regulation enforcement, and the members of the general public who known as 911 and cooperated with regulation enforcement.”
