An Indiana man has been sentenced to four years in prison after admitting to spiking his wife’s Coca-Cola with a cocktail of drugs in a failed attempt to kill her.
Alfred Ruf, 71, pleaded guilty to aggravated battery in July 2023, following his confession that he had been lacing his wife’s drinks with a substance intended to end her life. According to court documents, Ruf’s motive for the poisoning was to eventually marry his 31-year-old stepdaughter, who allegedly provided him with the drugs. The stepdaughter reportedly sought to “get mom out of the picture” after learning that the family home was being sold and mentioned a life insurance policy her mother held. Ruf admitted that he gave the drug-laced drinks to his wife about 12 times between September and December 2021.
Ruf’s actions were uncovered in January 2022 when his wife contacted the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, suspecting that her husband was attempting to murder her. She had been hospitalized several times for unexplained symptoms including headaches, drowsiness, and diarrhea. Medical tests revealed the presence of MDMA, cocaine, and benzodiazepines in her system—substances she denied taking.
Ruf confessed to authorities that he had a sexual relationship with his wife’s daughter, who, along with a friend, would visit the couple’s home while the wife was unconscious. According to the affidavit, the women would engage in “sex acts” while wearing the wife’s clothing. Ruf admitted he “felt bad” and eventually confessed his actions to his wife.
Although Ruf was the only person charged, police are still looking into the involvement of the stepdaughter and her friend. Ruf has been sentenced to five years probation on top of his prison sentence.
Unilad, the Independent, New York Post and USA Today contributed to the report.
