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.
Crime
Celeste Gusman, 66, Dies After Stabbing at Kalihi Business in Honolulu; Police Investigate as Homicide
HONOLULU, Hawaii — A 66-year-old woman has died following a stabbing at a business in Honolulu’s Kalihi neighborhood, leaving her family, friends, and the local community grieving a tragic loss.
The victim was identified as Celeste Gusman, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Officers responded to a business in the 2300 block of North School Street at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Gusman suffering from a stab wound. Emergency medical personnel quickly began providing advanced lifesaving treatment at the scene before transporting her to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Gusman later succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities also reported that another woman, who is in her 60s, sustained minor injuries during the incident. According to the information released, she was injured in a fall amid the disturbance and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
No further details about the circumstances surrounding the second woman’s injuries have been provided.
Following the incident, police initially arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. After Gusman died from her injuries, authorities reclassified the case as a murder investigation.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the stabbing. Police have not yet released information about what may have triggered the incident or whether the suspect knew Gusman.
The suspect’s arrest and the ongoing investigation do not establish guilt. Further details are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and determining the events that led to the fatal attack.
The death of Celeste Gusman at 66 has brought sadness to those affected by this incident. A place of business in a familiar neighborhood became the scene of a tragedy, and loved ones are now facing the difficult reality of losing someone important to them.
While many questions remain unanswered, the loss of life has deeply affected the community. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are left remembering Gusman and hoping that the investigation will bring clarity about what happened.
Please keep Celeste Gusman’s family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. The injured woman and everyone affected by the incident also deserve support as they recover.
May Celeste Gusman rest in peace. May her loved ones find comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead.