Port St. Lucie police identify 50-year man, woman in domestic-related murder-suicide
Woman declared deceased at hospital; man appears to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Port St. Lucie Police Department on Sunday identified the victim and suspect involved in the domestic-related murder-suicide that occurred the night before at a residence.
The victim has been identified as 50-year-old Elizabeth Ortega and the shooter as 50-year-old Ralph Varela Sr.
“The investigation has revealed that Varela and Ortega had been involved in a long-term cohabitation domestic relationship and resided together with their adult son,” the agency said in a news release. “Through the investigation, it was learned Varela and Ortega were in the process of separating.”
At approximately 7:40 p.m., officers responded to the 2000 block of Southeast Oxmoor Terrace, west of U.S. 1 and near HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital, after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting possible gunshots and a domestic disturbance.
Shooting in Port St. Lucie
Officers found a woman suffering from a gunshot wound. She was airlifted to a local hospital, where she was pronounced deceased, police said.
Police also located a man who was deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Investigators learned the unnamed adult son left the residence to pick up dinner from a local restaurant. Investigators have determined there was no known argument or disturbance inside the home before his departure.
At some point after the son left, investigators believe Varela utilized an AR-style .223 caliber rifle and began shooting Ortega inside the residence. Ortega fled the home in an attempt to escape, while Varela continued firing.
Investigators recovered home surveillance video that shows Ortega attempting to flee into the front yard while Varela continued to fire at her before she collapsed. After the shooting, Varela returned inside the residence.
Responding officers located Ortega with multiple gunshot wounds. She was airlifted to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.
Varela was later observed inside the home, where he appeared to have died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue are processing evidence and they are awaiting the final results from the Medical Examiner’s Office.
The three-bedroom home sold for $160,000 in 2018. It was built in 1977.
Before living in Port St. Lucie, Varela resided in West Palm Beach.
On April 23, 2014, he was convicted of discharging a firearm in public, and was later sentenced to 192 days in jail with all time served credited, according to Palm Beach Clerk records.
On June 12, 2017, he was convicted of possession of cocaine, reckless driving reduced from DUI, driving while license wasn’t active and refusal to submit to chemical or physical test. He was sentenced to 20 days in jail, which was served.
“The Port St. Lucie Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic incident,” the agency said.
The house remains an active crime scene as investigators continue to process evidence and conduct interviews.
“As this remains an active and ongoing investigation, the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident are subject to change as detectives continue their investigation,” police said.
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Drivers are urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes if possible to allow first responders and investigators to safely conduct their work, police said.
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