Conviction in December 2023 Salem Road Walmart Shooting:

Yesterday, July 17, 2025, a Newton County jury found David Ruffin, Jr. guilty of Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony, Tampering with Evidence, and Criminal Trespass. After the jury returned that verdict, they continued deliberating on additional charges. However, during the juries deliberation on those charges, the Defendant pleaded guilty to the offenses of Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon During a Crime and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

David Ruffin

On December 30, 2023, an employee of the Salem Road Walmart in Covington got into an altercation with Ruffin's mother. Ruffin became involved and then assaulted and shot the Walmart employee. Multiple witnesses called 911 to report the shooting that occurred in the parking lot. At trial, the Defendant claimed that he was acting in defense of his mother. However, the evidence presented led to the jury clearly rejecting this claim.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Brooks, Trial Assistant Danielle Miller, Investigator Colin Cunningham, Victim Advocate Sophie Conner, and Legal Assistant Desiree Kozikowski. The investigation and arrest was handled by the Newton County Sheriff's Office.

Ruffin, who was a convicted felon at the time, remains in custody for a sentencing hearing at a later date.

"The District Attorney's Office is committed to prosecuting violent offenses that put our communities at risk. I am proud of the prosecution team, my entire office, local law enforcement, and the members of the public who called 911 and cooperated with law enforcement."

District Attorney Randy McGinley

Alcovy Judicial Circuit