Woman Convicted in Aggravated Assault Trial

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A Shelby County jury found Nelly Ruguaru guilty of Aggravated Assault following a two-day trial stemming from a 2024 domestic incident involving her spouse.

Officers responded to a home on Yale Road after an argument between Ruguaru and her spouse became physical. According to the case, Ruguaru grabbed a hatchet from the top of a refrigerator and swung it at the victim during the altercation.

Ruguaru testified in her own defense during the trial. After hearing testimony and evidence from both sides, the jury returned a guilty verdict on the Aggravated Assault charge.

Assistant District Attorneys Alicia Walton and Justlynn Russell prosecuted the case on behalf of the State.