PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – A man was sentenced to 50 years in prison with five years of supervised probation Tuesday for nearly killing his ex-girlfriend on April 13, 2022, according to the Portsmouth Commonwealth’s Attorney Office.
Maurice Datrelle Ruffin accompanied his ex to a vacant apartment that morning, as she was cleaning the residence to be rented as a apart of her cleaning business, said the CA’s office. Ruffin accused her of cheating and an argument ensued.
Ruffin proceeded to assault the victim, pinned her to the floor, choked her and pointed a gun at her, the commonwealth attorney said. The victim broke free and ran to the bathroom for safety, in which Ruffin fired shots that hit her left hand and right side of her head.
Ruffin was found guilty April 25 of:
- Aggravated malicious wounding
- Shooting in commission of a felony
- Abduction
- Use of a firearm in commission of abduction
- Use of a firearm in commission of aggravated malicious wounding
- Brandishing a firearm and
- Maliciously discharging a firearm in an occupied building.
“This is a tragic reminder of how quickly domestic violence can escalate when firearms are involved,” Portsmouth Commonwealth’s Attorney Stephanie N. Morales stated.
