Two people died in a domestic-related murder-suicide around 7:40 p.m. Aug 1. in the 2000 block of S.E. Oxmoor Terrace of Port St. Lucie, the police department said in a news release.
Port St. Lucie Police officers responded to multiple calls of possible gunshots. Upon arrival, officers found a woman, later identified as Elizabeth Ortega, 50, with multiple gunshot wounds. She was airlifted to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, where she later died.
A 50-year-old man, later identified as Ralph Varela Sr., was found dead inside the home with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, officials said.
Investigators found Ortega and Valera were involved in a long-term relationship but were in the process of separating. Valera used an AR-style .223 caliber rifle to shoot Ortega inside the home they shared, according to police. Home surveillance video shows Ortega attempted to flee to the front yard, but Valera continued to shoot at her.
They lived with their adult son, who told officials his parents didn’t seem to be in an altercation before he briefly left around 7:30 p.m. to pick up dinner from a restaurant, the news release said.
The incident appears to be isolated and there is no threat to the public or surrounding areas, officials said.
The area of S.E. Triumph Road and S.E. Veterans Memorial Parkway remained an active crime scene Aug. 2. Residents should expect a heavy police presence. Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible, officials said.
(This story was updated with video.)
Valeria Bartra is TCPalm’s food reporter. Contact her at valeria.bartra@tcpalm.com, 772-978-2246 or follow her on Instagram @vbartrajourno.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Police: 1 man, 1 woman dead in Florida domestic murder-suicide
Reporting by Valeria Bartra, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Valeria Bartra, Treasure Coast Newspapers | USA TODAY Network
