Authorities say what began as a routine welfare check in Fort Lauderdale has expanded into a complex, multi-city investigation involving fatalities in two Florida communities. On Tuesday afternoon, officers responded to concerns at a condominium in the Victoria Park neighborhood, where they discovered 46-year-old Larisa Blyudaya and her 18-year-old son, Ben Azizov, deceased inside a third-floor unit on Northeast 15th Avenue. As detectives began reviewing the circumstances, they determined the timeline extended beyond that single location.

Earlier that morning, approximately 150 miles away in Sarasota County’s Amberlea neighborhood, a resident reported hearing a loud noise around 11 a.m. Shortly afterward, she found an injured man in a nearby yard and called emergency services while attempting to render aid. The man, identified as 61-year-old Anatoly “Tony” Ioffe, was later pronounced deceased. Deputies entering the residence located three additional victims: Ioffe’s wife, Florita “Rita” Stolyar; their son, Yaroslav “Stan” Blyudoy; and a family friend, Olga Greinert. A fifth individual, identified as 51-year-old Russell Kot of Fort Lauderdale, was also found at the scene and, according to investigators, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

As agencies coordinated between Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota County, officials confirmed that the Sarasota victims were members of Blyudaya’s immediate family. Investigators believe the suspect first traveled to the Fort Lauderdale residence before driving south later that morning. Surveillance footage, neighborhood security cameras, and digital evidence are being reviewed to establish a detailed timeline of movements and events. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office continues to work alongside regional partners to analyze forensic findings and witness statements.

The tragedy has deeply affected both communities, with relatives and neighbors mourning the loss. A fundraising effort has been launched to help surviving family members with funeral expenses and counseling services. Authorities stress that the investigation remains active as they work to determine motive and document all relevant facts. Anyone with credible information is urged to contact the Criminal Investigations Bureau of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. Behind the developing case are families and communities grappling with profound and lasting loss.