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A twenty-one-year-old college basketball player finds herself facing felony charges after allegedly breaking down doors and engaging in a violent confrontation while attempting to retrieve personal belongings. The incident has led to an indefinite suspension from her team and sparked a legal battle over what really happened that August afternoon.
Here's what may have happened.
On August fifth, Knox County Sheriff's Office responded to a domestic disturbance call around four fifteen in the afternoon that would ultimately lead to serious criminal charges against Ruby Whitehorn three days later. According to official reports, what started as a dispute over personal property quickly escalated into a violent confrontation that left doors destroyed and a bedroom mirror shattered.
The incident began in a parking lot where Whitehorn allegedly got into a physical altercation with a woman outside her residence. Police reports indicate the fight started after the victim heard glass breaking. During this initial confrontation, the woman allegedly took Whitehorn's phone and passport before running inside her home and locking the door.
What happened next forms the basis of the aggravated burglary charges. According to law enforcement, Whitehorn kicked in the woman's front door to gain entry to the residence. The confrontation didn't end there. Reports indicate Whitehorn then chased the victim upstairs to a bedroom, where she allegedly kicked in yet another door and smashed a mirror during the struggle.
The chaos of the incident extended beyond property damage. During the altercation, the victim's dog got loose, adding to the confusion of an already volatile situation. The victim reportedly captured portions of the incident on her cell phone, providing video evidence that shows Whitehorn entering the house and fighting with her in the bedroom.
When questioned by officers, Whitehorn provided her version of events, stating she was only trying to defend herself and explaining her actions by saying, "Because I was getting my property back." This statement would become central to her defense strategy.
Whitehorn was arrested on August eighth and charged with aggravated burglary and domestic assault. The arrest immediately impacted her athletic career, with her suspension from team activities announced shortly after. A spokesperson confirmed, "She is suspended indefinitely and is not participating in team activities."
However, Whitehorn's legal representation is painting a dramatically different picture of the events. Her attorney has launched an aggressive defense, claiming the charges are based on inaccurate information. The defense stated, "Our firm's investigation has also revealed that the factual allegations contained in the warrants are not accurate and are contradicted by eyewitness accounts."
The legal team is emphasizing that Whitehorn was merely trying to recover her own belongings, with statements indicating she was "just getting her property back" and "trying to defend herself." They've made it clear that "eyewitness accounts contradict the details outlined in the warrants."
Looking ahead, the defense has outlined their strategy for fighting these charges. According to her attorney, "Our firm has been retained to represent Ruby Whitehorn regarding her recent charges. Ms. Whitehorn intends to enter a plea of not guilty at her arraignment because she is, in fact, not guilty." The legal team expressed confidence about the outcome, stating that "Ruby Whitehorn looks forward to having this matter resolved in the very near future."
The case is scheduled to move forward with Whitehorn intending to plead not guilty at her preliminary hearing scheduled for September fifth. This will be the first major court appearance where both sides will present their evidence and arguments about what really happened during those chaotic minutes in Knox County.
The incident has generated significant media attention, with the story being covered extensively due to Whitehorn's status as a college athlete. The case raises questions about self-defense, property rights, and the circumstances that can transform a dispute over personal belongings into serious felony charges.
All suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Do not take this report as factual, always verify facts. Thanks for watching Arrest Stories.