Family members are mourning the victims of a horrific murder-suicide spree that spanned from Fort Lauderdale to Sarasota and left seven people including the alleged gunman dead.
The tragedy unfolded Tuesday, first at a home in the 500 block of Northeast 15th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale’s Victoria Park neighborhood, where 46-year-old Larisa Blyudaya and her son, 18-year-old Ben Azizov, were found murdered, Fort Lauderdale Police said.
Family PhotoFamily Photo
Larisa Blyudaya
The alleged suspect in the killings, identified as 51-year-old Russell Kot of Fort Lauderdale, is believed to have then traveled to a home in Sarasota County where he killed four more people, authorities said.
Kot appeared to have died from self-inflicted wounds, officials said.
The Sarasota victims were identified as 49-year-old Olga Greinert, 66-year-old Florita Stolyar, 61-year-old Anatoly Ioffe, and 39-year-old Yaroslav “Stan” Blyudoy.
The sheriff’s office said Kot had been in a previous romantic relationship with Blyudaya, who was related to the Sarasota victims.
In a statement Thursday, the victims’ family called it a “devastating loss.”
“Our family and loved ones are facing an unimaginable loss and are still in deep shock and grief. At the same time, we are currently navigating urgent and overwhelming practical matters, including legal, financial, and administrative processes, while trying to support one another through this,” the statement read, in part. “We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of messages, kindness, and concern. Please know that your support truly means more than we can express.”
The statement also gave brief details about the victims:
Ben Azizov — a joyful son and grandson whole life had only just begun
Larisa Blyudaya — a daughter, sister, and deeply loving mother
Stan Blyudoy — a cherished son, brother, and fiancée with his whole life ahead of him
Florita Stolyar — a devoted mother, wife, and heart of her family
Anatoly Ioffe — a loving father, stepfather, and steady presence
The family has also started a GoFundMe to pay for funeral and other expenses.
GoFundMeGoFundMe
Anatoly Ioffe, Yaroslav “Stan” Blyudoy, Larisa Blyudaya, Ben Azizov, Florita Stolyar
“They were not just names in a headline. They were loving parents, devoted parents, cherished children, and dear friends. Their loss leaves an unfillable space in the hearts of everyone who knew them,” the GoFundMe reads.
Fort Lauderdale Police and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office are still investigating.