PORT ST. LUCIE – Port St. Lucie Police have identified the victim and suspect involved in the domestic-related murder-suicide which occurred Aug. 1 at a home in the 2000 block of Southeast Oxmoor Terrace.
The victim has been identified as Elizabeth Ortega. The suspect was Ralph Varela Sr. Both were 50 years old, police said.
Investigation revealed that Varela and Ortega involved in a long-term cohabitation domestic relationship and lived together with their adult son. Through the investigation, it was learned that Varela and Ortega were in the process of separating, according to police reports.
At about 7:30 p.m., Aug. 1, the adult son left the residence to pick up dinner from a local restaurant. Investigators said there was no known argument or disturbance inside the home before he left, according to police reports.
Investigators believe that, at some point after the son left the home, Varela began shooting Ortega with an AR-style .223 caliber rifle inside the home.
In home surveillance video police obtained, it shows that Ortega was trying to flee from the house into the front yard while Varela continued to fire at her before she collapsed. The video shows that after the shooting, Varela went back into the house, according to police reports.
At approximately 7:40 p.m., Port St. Lucie Police officers responded to the address after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting possible gunshots and a domestic disturbance.
Responding officers found Ortega suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was airlifted to HCA
Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, where she was later pronounced deceased.
Varela was found inside the house, where he appeared to have died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue processing evidence and awaiting the final results from the Medical Examiner’s Office.
“The Port St. Lucie Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic incident,” the department said in a statement.