Oklahoma City, Okla. — A mother and her boyfriend are facing serious charges in connection with the death of a 9-year-old boy, whose condition raised alarms about potential abuse. Ruger Jay Andrew Boude was hospitalized with severe injuries, prompting an investigation that has now classified his death as a homicide.
Alicia Reanne Busey, 38, and Steven Dewayne Duty, 43, have each been charged with one count of second-degree murder and three counts of felony child neglect. The allegations surfaced after Ruger was admitted to St. Anthony’s Healthplex East on the night of April 8, where medical personnel found him unresponsive and suffering from a range of critical injuries, including a collapsed lung and significant brain bleeding. Despite emergency efforts, he succumbed to his injuries two days later.
Initial reports suggest that Ruger had been in the care of Busey and Duty before his hospitalization, leading investigators to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding his injuries. Busey reportedly claimed that Ruger sustained his injuries during a fight with an older brother, a story later contradicted by medical findings. Autopsy results revealed multiple bruises and fractures in various stages of healing, as well as BB pellets embedded in his body, highlighting a pattern of potential abuse.
The investigation has expanded beyond Ruger, with authorities examining the well-being of his two older brothers, both aged 11. They were also assessed at the OU Safe Clinic and found to have sustained similar injuries, including embedded BBs and healing fractures. One child was hospitalized due to a severe scalp infection allegedly caused by a sibling. Details concerning a 10-month-old girl, who was also part of the household, remain unclear.
In addition to physical injuries, suspected neglect emerged as a significant issue. Reports indicate that the two older boys were not enrolled in school and had faced repeated absences, which led to their denial from an elementary institution. This raises further questions about the care and oversight within the household. Authorities have not disclosed whether child welfare services had previously interacted with the family.
Busey and Duty were apprehended on April 29 and subsequently charged on May 4. Each defendant’s bond was set at $5 million, and both await a preliminary hearing that will determine if the case will proceed to trial. The legal process is ongoing, with prosecutors expected to present evidence during this next court date.
Ruger’s obituary paints a vivid picture of a vibrant young boy with a love for music, tools, and animals. His family described him as a helpful child who enjoyed small acts of kindness, revealing the depth of loss felt by those who knew him. He was survived by his mother, siblings, and family pets, along with a mention of his late father.
As the investigation continues, authorities are meticulously reviewing evidence and conducting interviews to piece together a complete understanding of the situation. This tragic case has drawn attention to issues of child welfare and the responsibilities of caregivers, as the community awaits further developments in the judicial process.