Doyle Rucker Pleads Guilty to Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree

Rochester, NY- On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 35-year-old Doyle Rucker pled guilty to Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree and Assault in the 2nd Degree, for the stabbing of his estranged wife, Shaughnessey Denson, and her 14-year-old child. He will be sentenced to 30 years in the New York State Department of Corrections plus 8 years of post-release supervision.  

On February 3, 2024, Rochester Police Officers were called to a home on Mitchell Street for a reported stabbing. Upon arrival, they found 34-year-old Shaughnessey Denson in critical condition and her injured 14-year-old daughter, both had been stabbed.

After both victims were quickly transported to the hospital, Rochester Police Officers identified Doyle Rucker, the estranged husband of Shaughnessey Denson as the assailant. It was determined that Doyle Rucker claimed to be at the home to visit his children when he pulled out a knife and violently stabbed Shaughnessey, who nearly died from her injuries. Shaughnessey’s 14-year-old daughter intervened in the attack, bravely putting herself between her mother and her assailant and was stabbed in the process. Both victims recovered from their injuries, but Shaughnessey Denson will live the remainder of her life with injuries from this brutal assault.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Sara VanStrydonck, Chief of the Special Victims Unit, and Assistant District Attorney Patrick Gallagher, Chief of the Domestic Violence Bureau.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe and live free from abuse, especially in their own home,” said Assistant District Sara VanStrydonck. “On February 3, 2024, Shaughnessey Denson experience domestic violence in its scariest and ugliest form. Doyle Rucker violently attacked his estranged wife in the sanctity of her own home. As Shaughnessey fought for her life, her 14-year-old daughter came to help her and he savagely stabbed her as well. Both Shaughnessey and her daughter are brave survivors. They not only survived, but used their voices to ensure that Doyle Rucker cannot hurt anyone else. Doyle Rucker will spend the next three decades in the New York State Department of Corrections.”

“Shaughnessey Denson is a survivor who puts her children first, compared to Doyle Rucker, a violent abuser who tried to take the life of the mother of his children,” said Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley. “Thank you to the Rochester Police Department and the medical professionals at Strong Memorial Hospital whose quick actions saved the life of Shaughnessey. If you or anyone you know is impacted by domestic violence, I encourage and urge you to call or text Willow Domestic Violence Center’s 24-hour hotline at 585-222-7233.”

Doyle Rucker is scheduled to be sentenced on October 16, 2024, in front of New York State Supreme Court Justice Walsh.