What began as a routine welfare check in Fort Lauderdale quickly evolved into a multi-city investigation marked by profound loss. On Tuesday afternoon, officers responding to concerns at a condominium in the Victoria Park neighborhood made a tragic discovery inside a third-floor unit on Northeast 15th Avenue. Inside, 46-year-old Larisa Blyudaya and her 18-year-old son, Ben Azizov, were found deceased. As investigators began processing the scene, it became clear that the events connected to the case extended far beyond that single residence.
Earlier that same day, roughly 150 miles away in Sarasota County’s Amberlea neighborhood, authorities were alerted to another disturbing situation. Around 11 a.m., a resident reported hearing a loud noise and soon discovered an injured man in a nearby yard. She called 911 and attempted lifesaving measures until first responders arrived. The victim was identified as 61-year-old Anatoly Ioffe, also known as Tony, who was later pronounced deceased.
When deputies entered the Sarasota home, they found three additional victims inside: Tony’s wife, Florita Stolyar; their son, Yaroslav Blyudoy; and family friend Olga Greinert. A fifth individual at the scene was identified as 51-year-old Russell Kot of Fort Lauderdale. Authorities reported that Kot died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
As law enforcement agencies in both cities coordinated their investigations, officials confirmed that the Sarasota victims were members of Larisa Blyudaya’s immediate family. Investigators believe the suspect first went to the Fort Lauderdale residence before traveling south to Sarasota later that morning. Surveillance video and neighborhood camera systems have been instrumental in establishing a timeline of vehicle movements and activity across both locations.
The tragedy has deeply affected surviving relatives and the broader community. A fundraising campaign has been launched to assist with funeral expenses and counseling services. Officials state the investigation remains active as they work to determine motive and document all details. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Criminal Investigations Bureau of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. Behind the headlines, families and communities continue to grapple with the impact of an unimaginable day.