Investigators released new information Friday about the suspected murder-suicide that spanned Sarasota and Fort Lauderdale — including the timeline of the murders and weapons found inside the suspect’s car.
Detectives say the shooter, 51-year-old Russell Kot, had recently moved to Fort Lauderdale from Illinois. Kot was living with his partner, 46-year-old Larisa Blyudoy, until the two separated late last year.
On the morning of Feb. 10, Kot killed Blyudoy and her 18-year-old son, Ben Azizov, at their Fort Lauderdale home before driving more than 200 miles to Blyudoy’s family’s home in Sarasota, according to the sheriff’s office.
Kot then entered the gated Amberlea neighborhood in Sarasota around 11 a.m. to go to the family’s home on Fallcrest Circle.
That’s where deputies say Kot shot and killed the family’s housekeeper, 49-year-old Olga Greinert, and his ex-girlfriend’s brother, 39-year-old Yaroslav “Stan” Blyudoy, first.
He stayed at the residence until 66-year-old Florita “Rita” Stolyar, Larisa and Stan’s mother, arrived home with her husband, 61-year-old Anatoly “Tony” Ioffe. During that time, detectives say Kot sent a “suicidal text message” to members of his family.
According to the sheriff’s office, Kot shot and killed Stolyar and Ioffe upon their arrival before shooting and killing himself.
Investigators say a review of Kot’s cellphone records revealed no apparent “triggering event” prior to the killings. In fact, Kot appeared to have stayed with the family in Sarasota in the months leading up to the incident. Detectives also believe he had met Greinert, the housekeeper, at least once before.
In a search of Kot’s vehicle, detectives said they found two handguns, ammunition, five knives, rope, tape and an axe inside. He was also reportedly carrying two handguns when he entered the Fallcrest Circle home.
Crime scene analysts recovered more than 20 shell casings inside the home. Detectives say each victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
Detectives continue to work to establish a motive for the killings. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Section at 941-861-4900.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support the surviving family members and help cover funeral costs.
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached 24/7 by calling or texting 988. The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay can be reached by calling 211 for support in instances of sexual assault, domestic violence, financial distress, substance abuse or suicidal thoughts.