Tennessee’s Ruby Whitehorn Pleads Not Guilty to Burglary and Assault Charges

Lady Vols Guard Ruby whitehorn to Plead Not Guilty in Assault Case

By Archyde News Staff

August 21, 2025

Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Women’s Basketball player Ruby Whitehorn intends to plead not guilty to felony charges of domestic assault and aggravated burglary, her legal counsel announced Tuesday. The declaration comes as the case continues to develop, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the allegations.

Details of the Allegations

Attorney Gregory P. Isaacs released a statement asserting Whitehorn’s innocence.According to the attorney, an independent investigation has uncovered inconsistencies between the official reports and eyewitness testimony. Whitehorn, a 6-foot guard originally from Detroit, michigan, was taken into custody on August 8th, following an incident reported to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office around 4:15 p.m.

Police reports indicate a confrontation occurred outside a private residence, culminating in damage to both the front and bedroom doors.Whitehorn allegedly told law enforcement she was attempting to retrieve her personal belongings – specifically, her phone and passport – which she claimed were being withheld by the resident.

university Response and Legal Proceedings

The University of Tennessee has acknowledged the situation and confirmed it is actively gathering facts. A preliminary hearing initially scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed until September 5th, allowing more time for investigation and preparation.

Whitehorn’s Basketball Career

Whitehorn was a key contributor to the Lady Vols last season, starting 28 of 34 games.She averaged 11.6 points per game,wiht a field goal percentage of 46.3%, including four rebounds per game. Before joining Tennessee, she played for clemson University, starting in 62 of 66 games during her tenure there.

Last season, Whitehorn helped lead Tennessee to a 24-10 record, marking coach Kim Caldwell’s first season with the program. The Lady Vols advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament before being defeated by Texas.

Statistic	Value
Games Started (2023-2024)	28
Points Per Game	11.6
Field Goal Percentage	46.3%
Rebounds Per Game	4

Did You Know? Aggravated burglary, as a felony, can carry notable penalties, perhaps including substantial prison time and fines, depending on state laws and the specifics of the case.

Pro Tip: When facing legal challenges, engaging experienced legal counsel is paramount. A qualified attorney can navigate the complexities of the legal system and advocate for the best possible outcome.

Understanding Domestic Assault and Aggravated Burglary Charges

Domestic assault and aggravated burglary are serious offenses with potentially life-altering consequences. The department of Justice provides resources and information regarding domestic violence and related legal ramifications. Aggravated burglary typically involves entering a structure with intent to commit a crime, frequently enough with a perilous weapon or causing significant harm.

These types of cases often hinge on evidence, witness testimonies, and the interpretation of self-defense claims. The legal process can be lengthy and complex, requiring careful strategy and expert legal depiction.

frequently Asked Questions About the Ruby Whitehorn Case

what charges is Ruby Whitehorn facing?

Ruby Whitehorn is facing felony charges of domestic assault and aggravated burglary.

What has Ruby Whitehorn’s attorney stated about the case?

Her attorney, Gregory P. Isaacs, maintains that Whitehorn is not guilty and that the evidence will support her defense.

When is Ruby Whitehorn’s next court appearance?

Her preliminary hearing has been rescheduled for September 5th.

what was Ruby Whitehorn’s role on the Tennessee lady Vols basketball team?

She was a starting guard, averaging 11.6 points per game last season.

could this legal situation impact Ruby Whitehorn’s basketball career?

The legal proceedings could potentially impact her ability to participate in the upcoming basketball season, depending on the outcome of the case.

What are your thoughts on this developing story? Share your insights and opinions in the comments below. And don’t forget to share this article with your network!

What is the potential range of prison sentences for burglary in Tennessee?

Details of the Alleged Incident & Criminal Charges

Ruby Whitehorn, a resident of Tennessee, recently entered a plea of not guilty to charges of burglary and assault. The case stems from an incident reported on[DateofIncident-[DateofIncident-Data needed to be added]in[locationofincident-[locationofincident-Information needed to be added]. local authorities, specifically the[nameofPoliceDepartment/Sheriff’sOffice-[nameofPoliceDepartment/Sheriff’sOffice-Information needed to be added], responded to a call regarding a potential break-in and subsequent altercation.

The initial police report indicates that Whitehorn allegedly entered a private residence without permission, leading to the burglary charge. The assault charge reportedly arises from a physical confrontation that occurred between Whitehorn and the homeowner,[Homeowner’sname-[Homeowner’sname-Information needed to be added]. Details regarding the extent of any injuries sustained by the homeowner are currently limited, but reports suggest medical attention was required.

The Not Guilty Plea and Court Proceedings

Whitehorn appeared before Judge[Judge’sName-[Judge’sName-Information needed to be added]at the[NameofCourt-[NameofCourt-Information needed to be added]on August 21, 2025, to formally enter her plea. Her legal representation is being provided by[Attorney’sName/LawFirm-[Attorney’sName/LawFirm-Information needed to be added].

The plea of not guilty sets the stage for a trial, where the prosecution will be required to present evidence demonstrating Whitehorn’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Key aspects of the upcoming legal proceedings include:

Discovery Phase: Both the prosecution and defense will exchange information, including witness statements, forensic evidence, and police reports.

Pre-Trial Motions: Attorneys may file motions to suppress evidence or address other legal issues before the trial begins.

Jury Selection: If the case proceeds to trial, a jury will be selected to hear the evidence and render a verdict.

Trial Date: A trial date has been tentatively set for[DateofTrial-[DateofTrial-Information needed to be added].

Potential Penalties for Burglary and Assault in Tennessee

The penalties for burglary and assault in Tennessee vary depending on the specific circumstances of the crime, including the severity of the injuries sustained (if any) and Whitehorn’s prior criminal record.

Here’s a breakdown of potential consequences:

Burglary: Tennessee law defines burglary as the unlawful entry into a building with the intent to commit a crime inside. Penalties can range from misdemeanor charges (for less serious offenses) to felony charges, carrying potential prison sentences of[RangeofPrisonSentenceforBurglary-[RangeofPrisonSentenceforBurglary-Information needed to be added]and substantial fines.

Assault: Assault charges in Tennessee are categorized based on the level of harm caused. Simple assault is a Class A misdemeanor, while aggravated assault (involving serious bodily injury or the use of a deadly weapon) is a felony. Aggravated assault can result in prison sentences of[RangeofPrisonSentenceforAggravatedAssault-[RangeofPrisonSentenceforAggravatedAssault-Information needed to be added]and significant financial penalties.

Understanding Tennessee Criminal law: Burglary & Assault definitions

To fully grasp the implications of these charges, it’s crucial to understand the legal definitions within Tennessee:

Burglary (Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-14-403): Requires unlawful entry into a structure with the intent to commit a felony or any theft.The “structure” can include buildings, vehicles, and even boats.

Assault (Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-13-402): Defined as intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury to another person, or intentionally or knowingly placing another person in fear of imminent bodily injury.

* Aggravated Assault (Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-13-403): Involves causing serious bodily injury or using a deadly weapon during an assault.