Man wanted his wife out of the picture and put substances that his wife’s 31-year-old daughter provided into her beverages for months only because he thought he would marry his stepdaughter; sentenced
Indiana – In a harrowing case from Indiana, a 71-year-old man, identified as A. Ruf, confessed to a chilling plot to murder his wife by poisoning, motivated by his desire to marry her daughter. He was subsequently sentenced to four years in prison and five years on probation after pleading guilty to aggravated battery posing a risk of death. The ordeal reveals deep-seated familial betrayal and highlights severe misuse of trust and manipulation.
According to reports, Ruf engaged in the prolonged poisoning of his 51-year-old wife, identified as L. Bishop, throughout 2021. This nefarious act was part of a calculated plan to eliminate her and clear the path for Ruf to marry her daughter. The poisonings were not isolated incidents but part of a systematic attempt to end Bishop’s life.
Bishop experienced multiple unexplained symptoms over several months, including headaches, drowsiness, and severe gastrointestinal distress. Over time, her health deteriorated significantly, resulting in her being hospitalized and attending a shocking 702 doctor appointments. It was during these troubling times that Bishop suspected her husband’s sinister activities and decided to alert the authorities.
The investigation revealed that Ruf had been secretly adding harmful substances to his wife’s beverages, specifically targeting her soft drinks. His initial confession to the crime was reportedly spurred by guilt, following which he detailed his actions to the police. He admitted to using drugs like MDMA and cocaine, which he administered to his wife. Additionally, Ruf admitted to authorities that his wife’s 31-year-old daughter supplied the substances he put in his wife’s drinks.
Ruf’s arrest and subsequent trial brought to light not only the poisoning but also a more complex web of deceit involving Bishop’s daughter and her friend. According to Ruf, the plan to murder Bishop was hatched with the knowledge and participation of these two individuals, although they have denied any involvement and have not been charged.
The plea deal Ruf accepted led to the dismissal of a potential conspiracy to commit murder charge, significantly reducing his prison time. The court proceedings painted a picture of a deeply troubled marriage, with accusations of violence and previous threats, adding layers to the already complex narrative.
During the sentencing, Judge A. Drake considered both aggravating and mitigating factors. The judge acknowledged Ruf’s awareness of his wife’s vulnerabilities due to her disabilities and condemned his choice of violence over other possible resolutions to their marital issues. However, mitigating circumstances such as Ruf’s age, health concerns, lack of prior criminal history, and expressed remorse also played a part in the final judgment.
