FLORIDA — A devastating cross-state shooting spree on February 10 left six people dead across South Florida and the Gulf Coast, authorities confirmed. The victims have been identified as Larisa Blyudaya; her 18-year-old son, Ben Azizov; her mother, Florita Stolyar; her stepfather, Anatoly Ioffe; her brother, Stan Blyudoy; and the family’s housekeeper, Olga Greinert. The suspected gunman, 51-year-old Russell Kot, later took his own life.
According to investigators, the violence began at Larisa Blyudaya’s home in Fort Lauderdale. Authorities say Kot, who previously had a relationship with Larisa, shot and killed her and her teenage son inside the residence. Officials reported that both victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The shocking attack stunned neighbors and marked the beginning of what would become a deadly rampage spanning more than 200 miles.
After the Fort Lauderdale killings, Kot drove across the state to Sarasota. There, at what authorities described as the “Fallcrest residence,” he allegedly opened fire again. Florita Stolyar, Anatoly Ioffe, Stan Blyudoy, and Olga Greinert were all fatally shot. Law enforcement officials stated that each of the victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following the attacks.
Investigators have not announced a clear motive for the killings. Authorities said a review of Kot’s phone records did not reveal any specific triggering event leading up to the shootings. It was noted that Kot had previously had access to the Sarasota home and had cared for the family’s animals in the months before the tragedy, raising questions about how he was able to carry out the attack.
Searches conducted on Kot’s vehicle uncovered multiple firearms, knives, and other weapons, according to officials. The discovery has intensified concerns about the scale and planning of the deadly spree. Law enforcement agencies across jurisdictions continue to coordinate their efforts as they piece together the timeline of events.
Family members and friends of the victims have launched GoFundMe campaigns to help cover funeral and burial expenses as loved ones mourn the tremendous loss. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as they work to fully understand the circumstances surrounding one of the state’s most heartbreaking recent acts of violence.
