Monika Rubacha and Two Children Found Dead in Lakewood Ranch, Investigation Ruled Murder-Suicide
LAKEWOOD RANCH FLORIDA, The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has identified a mother and her two children who were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide inside their Lakewood Ranch home.
Deputies responded around 8:30 p.m. Thursday to a residence in the 8200 block of Pavia Way to conduct a welfare check. The request was made by 45-year-old Richard James, the husband and father, who was overseas in South America and unable to reach his family.
According to MCSO Public Information Officer Randy Warren, deputies arriving at the scene observed signs indicating deceased individuals were inside the home. He described it as a violent scene.
Inside the residence, investigators located 44-year-old Monika Karina Rubacha, her 14-year-old son, and her 11-year-old daughter, Emma, deceased in separate rooms. Authorities believe Rubacha fatally shot her two children before taking her own life. Detectives have not released detailed information about the sequence of events but indicated preliminary evidence suggests the teenage boy may have been killed first.
Officials said the family had moved to the Lakewood Ranch area from out of state approximately three years ago. Authorities reported no prior calls for service or known incidents at the address since their relocation.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue reviewing evidence to determine the full circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Authorities are urging anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress to seek support. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988 for free and confidential assistance.
The Lakewood Ranch community continues to process the tragic loss.
