PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — A woman was killed and a man was found dead Saturday evening following what investigators believe was a domestic-related shooting in Port St. Lucie.
Port St. Lucie Police Department officers responded around 7:40 p.m. Saturday to the 2000 block of SE Oxmoor Terrace after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting possible gunshots and a domestic disturbance.
Port St. Lucie police said the suspect in the domestic disturbance Saturday evening has been identified as 50-year-old Ralph Varela Sr. and the victim has been identified as 50-year-old Elizabeth Ortega.
The investigation revealed that Varela and Ortega had been involved in a long-term cohabitation domestic relationship and resided together with their adult son, police said. It was learned that Varela and Ortega were in the process of separating.
On Saturday at around 7:30 p.m., the adult son left the residence to pick up dinner from a local restaurant, investigators said. Investigators determined there was no known argument or disturbance inside the home prior to his departure.
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At some point after the adult son left, investigators believe Varela utilized an AR-style .223 caliber rifle and began shooting Ortega inside the residence, detectives said. Ortega fled the home in an attempt to escape, while Varela continued firing. Investigators recovered home surveillance video that captured portions of the incident and the video 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, police said. Responding officers located Ortega suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was airlifted to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.
Following the shooting, 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 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.
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