Crime
6 killed after shooting at Sarasota Residence
Authorities have identified multiple victims connected to a series of deadly shootings spanning Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota, Florida, as investigators work to determine what led to the violence that left seven people dead, including the suspected gunman.
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department confirmed that two victims in a double homicide were Larisa Blyudaya, 46, and Ben Azivov, 19, both residents of Fort Lauderdale.
Officials also identified the suspect as 51-year-old Russell Kot, who likewise resided in Fort Lauderdale.
Police stated that Kot was later found deceased in Sarasota County.
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office reported that five people were fatally shot Tuesday afternoon at a residence in the Amberlea neighborhood near Proctor and McIntosh roads.
Deputies were dispatched at approximately 12:24 p.m. following a report that an adult male had been shot.
Responding officers arrived within minutes and located the victim in the front yard, where neighbors were attempting lifesaving measures, including CPR.
He was repositioned so Sarasota County Fire Department personnel could provide medical care but was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Upon entering the residence, deputies discovered the bodies of two men and two women.
Investigators confirmed that Kot was among those found inside the home and that preliminary findings indicate he died from self-inflicted injuries.
Authorities identified the Sarasota victims as:
- Olga Greinert, 49
- Florita Stolyar, 66
- Anatoly Ioffe, 61
- Yaroslav Blyudoy, 39
Officials stated that next-of-kin notifications have been completed.
Investigators believe the Sarasota killings are linked to the earlier double homicide in Fort Lauderdale.
According to the sheriff’s office, the suspect had previously been involved in a romantic relationship with one of the Fort Lauderdale victims, who was also connected to the individuals targeted in Sarasota.
At this time, authorities say the suspect’s motive for attacking the Sarasota victims remains unknown.
Timeline of Events
Detectives have developed a preliminary timeline using surveillance footage and other evidence collected from the Amberlea neighborhood.
- The suspect’s vehicle was captured on video entering the community at approximately 11:01 a.m.
- Moments later, the sound of gunfire was recorded on a neighbor’s Ring camera.
- Roughly 37 minutes later, another victim — the man later found in the front yard — was seen arriving in his vehicle. As he approached the front door, he was shot.
- Investigators reported that no individuals were observed entering or exiting the residence between the time of the shootings and the arrival of deputies.
Officials emphasized that no definitive motive has been established and that the investigation remains active.
Detectives continue to review evidence and are expected to release additional information as it becomes available.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau at 941-861-4900.
CLEVELAND, Ohio — The two young girls whose bodies were discovered inside suitcases buried in shallow graves in Cleveland’s South Collinwood neighborhood have been confirmed to be half-sisters, according to new information released by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office.
On Wednesday morning, the Medical Examiner’s Office announced that DNA testing established the familial relationship between the two victims.
Despite this development, authorities said the girls have not yet been positively identified by name, and additional details are being withheld as the investigation remains active and ongoing.
During a news conference Tuesday, Dorothy Todd, Chief of the Cleveland Division of Police, confirmed that the bodies of the two girls were found Monday evening on the city’s East Side.
Officers were dispatched shortly after 6 p.m. to a field near East 163rd Street and Midland Avenue following a 911 call reporting a suspected deceased individual.
According to police sources, a man walking his dog in the area — reportedly for the first time in some time due to recent snowfall — noticed his dog alert to a scent near a fence line.
Upon investigating, he discovered a partially buried suitcase and immediately contacted authorities.
Responding officers located a deceased child inside a suitcase placed within a shallow grave.
As homicide detectives and additional personnel secured and canvassed the scene, they discovered a second suitcase buried nearby, also containing the body of a young girl.
Chief Todd stated that both suitcases were partially concealed in shallow graves and indicated that investigators believe the remains had been at the location for a significant period of time.
“It is traumatic for everyone,” Todd said. “It is traumatic for those who live in the area to know that this was right there at their doorstep.”
Authorities estimate that one of the victims was between approximately 8½ and 13 years old, while the other is believed to have been between 10½ and 14 years old.
At this time, there are no local missing persons reports that match the girls’ descriptions.
Investigators are expanding their search statewide and are working closely with state and federal law enforcement partners to identify the victims and determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The crime scene is located near Ginn Academy in the South Collinwood neighborhood.
Police emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages. While the discovery has deeply impacted the community, authorities said there is currently no indication of an ongoing threat to public safety.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Cleveland Police Homicide Unit at 216-623-5464. Tips may be provided anonymously.