SARASOTA, Fla. — Authorities are investigating a tragic incident that has left five people dead following a shooting at a Sarasota home. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, along with Fort Lauderdale police, has confirmed connections between the victims and the suspect in what appears to be a double homicide.
The victims have been identified as Larisa Blyudaya, 46, and Ben Azivov, 19, both residents of Fort Lauderdale. Their identification came amid the sheriff’s office releasing further details about the shooting, revealing that Russell Kot, 51, a Fort Lauderdale resident, is suspected in the deaths and was found dead at the scene from what authorities believe are self-inflicted injuries.
On Tuesday afternoon, deputies responded to reports of gunfire at a residence in the Amberlea neighborhood, prompting an immediate investigation. When they arrived shortly after the 12:24 p.m. call, they found a man in the front yard who required urgent medical attention. Despite attempts at CPR, he was pronounced dead shortly after. Inside the home, deputies discovered four additional victims: Olga Greinert, 49; Florita Stolyar, 66; Anatoly Ioffe, 61; and Yaroslav Blyudoy, 39.
Investigators have noted that the tragedy appears linked to earlier events in Fort Lauderdale. Kot was reportedly involved in a previous romantic relationship with one of the Fort Lauderdale victims, suggesting a potential motive, but specifics remain unclear. The sheriff’s office has stated that next of kin have been notified regarding the deceased.
Video evidence has provided further details in the ongoing investigation. Authorities confirmed that Kot’s vehicle was captured on surveillance entering the Amberlea neighborhood around 11 a.m. Prior to the shooting, gunfire was detected on a neighbor’s security camera shortly thereafter. Approximately 37 minutes later, the man found in the front yard was seen on video approaching the home where he was subsequently shot.
As investigators work to build a clearer picture of the events that unfolded, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that the motives behind these attacks remain unknown. Community members are shaken by the violence, expressing their shock over such a tragic occurrence.
The investigation continues, and authorities urge anyone with pertinent information to contact the sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Bureau. As more details emerge, the focus will remain on piecing together the timeline and motivations behind this heartbreaking incident.