Police in Florida are investigating what could have led a mother to slaughter her two children in a double murder-suicide that has left neighbors stupefied.
Deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office received a call on Thursday, February 26, from a troubled father traveling abroad at the time, concerned after he was unable to reach his wife and kids.
When first responders arrived at the exclusive coastal Lakewood Ranch neighborhood, they reportedly found a scene later described in reports as “violent.”
“This is a horrible, horrible thing for the deputies to have to witness,” Randy Warren, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office public information officer, told local outlet WTSP on Friday, February 27. “Even worse for this father and the husband, who was on his way back from South America, flew in this morning and had to be notified of what happened here.”
Deputies said they found evidence of a crime outside the family’s residence, though they declined to provide further details. After entering the home, authorities found Josh James, 14, Emma James, 11, and their mother Monika Rubacha, 44, all dead.
The three bodies were found in separate rooms, according to a sheriff’s office statement.
Warren said that investigators have determined Monika fatally shot her children before dying by suicide.
Warren told WTSP that the family had moved to the neighborhood from Missouri about three years ago and that deputies had never once received a call from the home before.
It was unclear how long Rubacha was married to the father of her kids, whose name was withheld by police.
The medical examiner has yet to render an official decision on the cause and manner of death.
“What happened inside this home is something that maybe nobody could have predicted,” Warren told the station. “We really don’t know what led up to that. It’s horrible to even imagine what would have been going through the mind of this mother that led up to this. There was some planning involved, enough to where she knew what she was doing.”
Neighbors told WTSP the murder-suicide has left them rattled.
“Total surprise and shock. This neighborhood’s so quiet,” one neighbor, who was not named, said. “Of course, we don’t know any of the facts, I guess. But hearing that happened in your neighborhood is quite shocking.”
A statement was sent to members of the community, confirming the horrific news.
“We are aware of a tragic incident that occurred within The Lake Club,” the statement reads. “At this time, the matter remains under investigation by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. We do not have additional information to provide.”
The statement added, “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.”
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
