Argument Escalates, Ends Tragically

When students make it to high school, they begin to make their stride in understanding what is required of them. In their rearview mirror, they have the perspective of being a kid. Looking ahead, they have a hopeful future available to them as a young adult. Michael Sherman was a teen full of promise. He graduated from Richwood High School this past year and was a popular athlete. Those who knew Sherman spoke highly of his character, sharing that he was kind and respectful. On Friday, June 18, 2021, witnesses allege a simple dispute among two women escalated, leading to Sherman's death and one woman injured from getting hit with a baseball bat. Dennis Benton Jr. was charged with aggravated second-degree battery in connection with the altercation. Police arrested Malech Rucks, 21, on Monday, June 21, 2021 after witnesses reveal that he is believed to be Sherman's alleged killer. Rucks had two prior arrests before being linked as Sherman's killer; last June, he was arrested for attempted second-degree murder and trial set for Fall 2021. He was also previously accused and arrested for attempted second-degree murder when he was a teen in 2017, but the charges were mysteriously dropped earlier this year. The community continues to mourn the death of Michael Sherman, and hope senseless incidents like this will cease. Prayers to the Sherman family as they grieve the loss of their beloved.