An Oklahoma mother and her boyfriend have been charged with the murder of her 9-year-old son, Ruger Boude, after he suffered extreme physical abuse that ultimately led to his death. The abuse, which included brain trauma and BB pellets embedded in his internal organs, has shocked authorities and the community.
Tragic Death of Ruger Boude
On the night of April 8, 2023, Alicia R. Busey, 38, brought her unresponsive son to St. Anthony’s Healthplex East in Oklahoma City, where medical staff discovered the boy had suffered severe injuries.
Ruger had dilated pupils, a collapsed lung, and was rushed to OU Medical Center for emergency surgery. There, doctors identified a massive brain bleed. Despite efforts to save him, Ruger was declared dead two days later.
Busey initially told investigators that the boy’s injuries occurred during a fight with an older brother, but medical professionals found evidence of ongoing abuse. The autopsy revealed that Ruger had a fractured left wrist, multiple bruises in varying stages of healing, and BB pellets embedded in his soft tissue, including one lodged in his right kidney.
Broader Pattern of Abuse and Neglect
Investigations into the household revealed a pattern of neglect involving Busey’s three other children: a 10-month-old daughter and two 11-year-old sons. The older boys also showed signs of abuse, with BB pellets embedded in their bodies and several healing fractures, indicating long-term physical mistreatment. One child had to be hospitalized after being hit in the head with a toolbox by one of his siblings.
Further medical examinations and forensic interviews revealed more signs of abuse, and it was discovered that the two older boys were not enrolled in school due to excessive absences. Police also found evidence of medical and educational neglect.
Charges and Bond
Busey and her boyfriend, Steven Duty, 43, were arrested and charged with second-degree murder and felony child neglect. Both suspects are being held at the Cleveland County Jail on $5 million bond each. They are scheduled to appear in court for preliminary hearings on May 26, 2023.
Ruger’s obituary described him as a “Mom’s little man,” who enjoyed working with tools and was kind to everyone he met. His tragic death has left a community mourning the loss of a young boy who had his life taken far too soon.
