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.
Late Tuesday evening in Dallas, an armed assailant discharged more than 36 rounds into an occupied sport-utility vehicle, fatally striking a 24-year-old woman and seriously injuring her passenger before fleeing the scene, Dallas Police Department officials reported.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. in the Central Oak Cliff neighborhood near the Wynnewood Village shopping center, in the 2200 block of South Zang Boulevard.
According to authorities, the victims were traveling in a Cadillac SUV when an unidentified shooter opened fire from another vehicle.
The SUV sustained extensive damage from gunfire and subsequently collided with a third vehicle.
Police have identified the deceased victim as Kayli Lopez, 24. She was transported to a nearby hospital following the shooting, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
A 21-year-old male passenger was also hospitalized with injuries sustained in the attack.
Law enforcement has not publicly disclosed his identity or his relationship to Ms. Lopez.
Officials indicate that his injuries are serious but that he is expected to survive.
Investigators counted in excess of 36 shell casings at the scene, confirming the large number of rounds fired into the SUV.
The suspect vehicle departed the area immediately after the shooting, and no description of the suspect or the getaway vehicle has been released at this time.
Dallas police are actively investigating the incident; however, no arrests have been made and a motive has not been determined.
Detectives continue to canvass the area, seek surveillance footage, and interview potential witnesses as part of the investigation.
Authorities have urged anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the Dallas Police Department.
This remains an open and developing case, and additional details will be provided as they become available.