Lexington, Kentucky, October 29, 2025
Travis Rudolph, a former Florida State University football player, has been acquitted of first-degree murder and attempted murder charges in relation to the fatal shooting of his ex-girlfriend, Dominique Jones. The jury delivered a unanimous not guilty verdict after reviewing evidence that suggested Rudolph acted in self-defense during a confrontation at his mother’s home. The case generated significant media attention due to Rudolph’s high-profile background and the severe allegations he faced.
Lexington, Kentucky – Man Accused of Shooting Ex-Girlfriend Appears in Court
Travis Rudolph, a former Florida State University football player, has been acquitted of all charges related to the shooting death of his ex-girlfriend, Dominique Jones, in April 2021.
The trial concluded on June 7, 2023, with the jury unanimously finding Rudolph not guilty of first-degree murder and three counts of attempted first-degree murder. The incident occurred on April 7, 2021, when Rudolph allegedly opened fire on four individuals following a late-night dispute at his mother’s home in Lake Park, Florida. It is believed that the four individuals came to confront Rudolph about domestic violence accusations. During the physical altercation, Rudolph armed himself with an AR-15-style pistol and fired 39 rounds, resulting in one death and another person being wounded. Rudolph was initially held in jail without bond.
Rudolph’s defense team filed a motion to dismiss all charges under Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law, which was denied by a judge in March 2022. Less than a month later, Rudolph’s attorney negotiated his release from jail on a $160,000 cash bond, with the agreement requiring him to remain on house arrest. His trial for murder began in late May 2023. During the trial, Rudolph maintained that he fired the shots in self-defense, claiming that the four men came over to his house around midnight on April 7, 2021, to physically harm or kill him. Text messages introduced into evidence by Rudolph’s attorneys showed that Jones had sent messages to her brother and another man, instructing them to “shoot up” Rudolph’s home. Ultimately, the jury found Rudolph not guilty on all counts.
Background on the Case
Travis Rudolph, 28, was a standout wide receiver for Florida State University and later played in the NFL. The shooting incident in April 2021 led to his arrest and subsequent legal proceedings. The case garnered significant media attention due to Rudolph’s high-profile background and the serious nature of the charges. The trial included testimony from Rudolph, who claimed self-defense, and evidence presented by the defense, including text messages from Jones. The jury’s acquittal reflects the legal principle that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
Similar Cases Involving Ex-Partners
Incidents involving violence between ex-partners have occurred in various jurisdictions. For example, in October 2025, a man in Ireland pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and attacking his ex-girlfriend, including throwing her late grandmother’s ashes into a fire. In another case, a man in Donegal, Ireland, was charged with stabbing his ex-partner at her home in December 2024. These cases highlight the ongoing issue of violence in relationships and the legal actions taken in response.
Legal Implications and Public Safety
The acquittal of Travis Rudolph underscores the complexities involved in self-defense claims and the importance of thorough legal proceedings. It also brings attention to the broader issue of violence in relationships and the need for effective legal frameworks to address such incidents. Public safety remains a concern, and cases like this contribute to ongoing discussions about how to prevent and respond to violence between ex-partners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What were the charges against Travis Rudolph?
Travis Rudolph was charged with first-degree murder and three counts of attempted first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of his ex-girlfriend, Dominique Jones, in April 2021.
What was the outcome of the trial?
The jury unanimously acquitted Travis Rudolph of all charges on June 7, 2023, finding him not guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
What was the defense’s argument in the trial?
The defense argued that Rudolph acted in self-defense, claiming that the individuals who confronted him at his mother’s home intended to harm or kill him.
What evidence was presented during the trial?
Evidence included text messages from Dominique Jones instructing others to “shoot up” Rudolph’s home, suggesting a motive for the confrontation.
Have there been similar cases involving ex-partners?
Yes, there have been similar cases, such as a man in Ireland pleading guilty to attacking his ex-girlfriend and throwing her late grandmother’s ashes into a fire in October 2025.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Travis Rudolph, former Florida State University football player |
| Charges | First-degree murder and three counts of attempted first-degree murder |
| Victim | Dominique Jones, ex-girlfriend of Travis Rudolph |
| Incident Date | April 7, 2021 |
| Trial Outcome | Unanimous acquittal on all charges on June 7, 2023 |
| Defense Argument | Self-defense; claimed individuals intended to harm or kill Rudolph |
| Evidence Presented | Text messages from Dominique Jones instructing others to ‘shoot up’ Rudolph’s home |
| Similar Cases | Man in Ireland pleaded guilty to attacking ex-girlfriend and throwing her late grandmother’s ashes into a fire in October 2025 |
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