Seven Dead After Florida Man Kills Ex, Relatives

Seven people are dead after authorities say a Florida man killed his former partner and her teenage son in Fort Lauderdale, then traveled across the state and fatally shot four additional relatives in Sarasota before dying by suicide.
According to reporting from The Associated Press and CBS News Miami, the violence began February 10, 2026, inside a Fort Lauderdale residence. Investigators identified the suspect as 51-year-old Russell Kot.
Police said Kot allegedly shot and killed Larisa Blyudaya and her 18-year-old son at the home. Authorities later determined he drove more than 200 miles west to Sarasota later the same day.

Second Crime Scene Identified in Sarasota

Law enforcement officials said four additional victims were killed at a Sarasota location connected to Blyudaya's relatives and a family friend.
Investigators linked the Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota scenes through surveillance footage and vehicle tracking data, according to AP News. Authorities said Kot was later found dead at the Sarasota scene from what they described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Officials have not publicly identified a confirmed motive. The investigation remains active.

Victims and Community Impact

Beyond Blyudaya and her son, authorities have not released full identifying details for all victims in early reports.
Neighbors in Fort Lauderdale described the first scene as chaotic and deeply unsettling. In Sarasota, residents said they were shocked that violence originating elsewhere had reached their community.
Law enforcement agencies in both cities emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Multi-Agency Investigation

Authorities said the suspect's travel across jurisdictions required coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies. Detectives worked to confirm the timeline connecting the two locations.
Investigators have not publicly outlined the precise sequence of events between the shootings but confirmed the killings occurred within the same day.
Officials have not formally characterized the case beyond the investigative findings currently released.

Ongoing Investigation

Memorials have begun forming in both Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota as families grieve the loss of loved ones.
Authorities said updates will be provided as additional facts are confirmed. The case remains under active review.

References: 7 killed in Florida shootings across 2 cities | 7 dead after cross-state murder spree in Fort Lauderdale, Sarasota“