When investigators did a welfare check at a Lakewood Ranch home at the request of a husband/father they said they found a mother and two children dead from a murder-suicide inside. FOX 13’s Kimberly Kuizon reports.
The Brief
A mother is accused of killing her two children before taking her own life inside a Lakewood Ranch home on Thursday.
According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies went to a home in the 8200 block of Pavia Way in Lakewood Ranch around 8:30 p.m. to do a welfare check at the request of the homeowner, who was out of town and found the bodies.
On Saturday, MCSO identified the mother as Monika Rubacha, 44, and her two children, Josh James, 14; and Emma James,11.
LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. – A mother is accused of killing her two children before taking her own life inside a Lakewood Ranch home on Thursday.
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According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies went to a home in the 8200 block of Pavia Way in Lakewood Ranch around 8:30 p.m. to do a welfare check at the request of the homeowner, who was out of town.
Upon arrival, deputies said that they saw circumstances that prompted them to enter the home.
Once inside the home, the deputies said they found a woman, identified as Monika Rubacha, 44, and her two children, Josh James, 14; and Emma James,11, dead in separate rooms from homicidal violence.
“It’s unimaginable that two children were killed inside their home by a parent, and then she took her own life,” stated Randy Warren with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
MCSO said that preliminary information indicates that all parties are accounted for and there is no threat to the community.
“We have no incidents at this address. What we have discovered that the family moved here from out of state, from Missouri, about 3 years ago, and we have not been out here for any calls. There’s really nothing there that would have indicated this would have happened,” said Warren.
What’s next:
Detectives are still processing the scene and reviewing evidence and said deputies have not responded to the home in the past.
Warren would not say how everyone died, but noted that it was a ‘violent scene’.
“It’s a total surprise and shock. This neighborhood is so quiet,” said Paul Henne, a resident of Lake Club.
As deputies continue their investigation, the neighborhood remains in shock.
“It’s a family community, with small kids it really hits you heard when you hear about that stuff happening,” said Henne.
The Medical Examiner will determine the official causes and manner of deaths.
What we don’t know:
The motive for the deaths has not been revealed.
“We really don’t know all that was in her frame of mind. But we are very confident all the parties that were involved in this are accounted for. There was no one else who entered the home or left the scene. As tragic as this is, it is really unimaginable that two children were killed in their home by a parent, and then she proceeded to take her own life,” said Warren.
What they’re saying:
“This is a horrible thing for the deputies to have to witness,” Warren said. “Even worse, for the father and the husband, who was on his way back from South America. He flew in this morning and had to be notified of what happened here. It’s an incredible emotional day for him. It’s not a good scene at all.”
The Lake Club at Lakewood Ranch sent FOX 13 this statement upon learning of the three deaths:
“We are aware of a tragic incident that occurred within The Lake Club. At this time, the matter remains under investigation by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. We do not have additional information to provide. Our hearts are with the family and all those affected during this incredibly difficult time. As this is an active investigation and out of respect for those involved, we will not be providing further comment.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
What you can do:
If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
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