One year later, state hasn't ruled out death penalty in Chad Absher case

The state says it has not ruled out seeking the death penalty against the man accused of shooting two sisters in their condo one year ago Tuesday.

Court records show Chad Absher’s trial is scheduled to start in January.

Police said he murdered his ex-girlfriend, Ashlee Rucker, while her sister, Lisa Rucker survived being shot in the head.

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Officers said the shooting happened last Halloween at the Cedar Creek Landing condos in Hyde Park.

“I’ll wipe off the dirt or the dust, usually get bitten by the ants and I feel like that’s her,” Lisa Rucker said, brushing off her sister’s cemetary plot.

Tuesday, she was able to crack a smile at the plot, knowing that night wouldn’t be easy.

“Tonight, I’m just going to have a panic attack and think that someone’s going to try to kill me,” she said.

Lisa is still recovering after surviving being shot in the back of the head.  The bullet went out her cheek.

Absher isn’t currently facing the death penalty, but Lisa Rucker is pushing for it.

“He tried to kill two people in front of their children and succeeded with one, so, I don’t think he should be alive right now,” Rucker said.

Action News Jax posed that to the State Attorney’s Office.

In a statement, they told us, “Seeking the death penalty requires a grand jury indictment for first-degree murder and there is no time limit for our office to make such a presentation.  We continue to investigate this case to determine the appropriate action.”

“I can’t wait for him to get what he deserves,” Lisa Rucker said.

Action News Jax also reached out to Absher’s attorney, who said he does not wish to make a statement, and they are just preparing for trial.

Cox Media Group