Authorities are investigating an apparent murder-suicide at a Florida home, where they believe a man fatally shot his wife before he died.
The suspected murder-suicide appeared to be planned, according to Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly. Detectives found a note that mentioned the alleged sinister plan during a search of the man’s car.
The sheriff’s office said in a Thursday, October 1, news release that deputies responded to a Palm Coast home the night before just after 10 p.m. following multiple 911 calls reporting a shooting that evening.
Within five minutes of the first 911 call, deputies discovered a man identified as Rakim-Shakur Brooks dead with what appeared to be a self-inflicted injury inside the home’s garage, according to the agency.
Deputies also found Brooks’ wife, Dawn Estrella, dead inside a bedroom. She had been shot several times, the sheriff’s office said.
After deputies initiated life-saving measures, Flagler County Fire Rescue personnel declared Estrella, 47, dead at the scene, according to authorities.
“Deputies also located two other individuals unharmed inside the home,” the sheriff’s office said.
One of the two individuals who are considered witnesses in the investigation told detectives that she heard an argument between Brooks, 55, and Estrella, before hearing several gunshots, according to the agency.
The woman said the couple “had a history of arguing and drinking,” the sheriff’s office said.
An investigation revealed Brooks and Estrella were separating from each other after they had married each other in 2024. Their relationship had lasted about nine years.
“Our prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragic and senseless violence,” Staly said in a statement. “Sadly, this is the second domestic-related murder-suicide we’ve investigated in the last few weeks.”
The sheriff discussed the alleged domestic violence incident at a Thursday news conference.
Brooks had a lengthy criminal history leading up to the apparent murder-suicide, according to authorities.
He had been arrested 17 prior times, including on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, robbery with a firearm, domestic battery, child abuse without great bodily harm, and more, the sheriff’s office said in the news release.
Brooks had been convicted of eight felonies, five misdemeanors and was incarcerated six separate times, according to the agency.
“This guy had a lengthy and violent history, but no amount of anger justifies taking someone else’s life,” Staly said. “I again want to emphasize that domestic violence has no place in our community. If you are in a violent or caustic relationship, I ask you to reach out for help. Reaching out may just save your life.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
