Husband, Wife Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide in Port St. Lucie, Police Say
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — A husband and wife are dead following what authorities believe was a domestic-related murder-suicide in a Port St. Lucie neighborhood Saturday evening.
According to the Port St. Lucie Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 7:40 p.m. to the 2000 block of Southeast Oxmoor Terrace, west of U.S. 1 and near HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital, after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting possible gunfire and a domestic disturbance.
When officers arrived, they discovered a woman suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police also located a man who had died from what investigators believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Authorities later identified the deceased as 50-year-old Ralph Varela Sr. and 50-year-old Elizabeth Ortega. According to police, investigators believe Ralph Varela Sr. fatally shot Elizabeth Ortega before taking his own life.
Family members told investigators the couple had been experiencing significant difficulties in their relationship leading up to the tragedy, although police have not released additional details regarding the circumstances that led to the shooting.
The Port St. Lucie Police Department said the incident appears to be an isolated domestic-related shooting and emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The residence remains an active crime scene as detectives continue collecting evidence, processing the scene, and interviewing witnesses.
“As this remains an active and ongoing investigation, the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident are subject to change as detectives continue their investigation,” the department said in a statement.
Earlier Saturday night, police advised residents to expect a significant law enforcement presence near Southeast Triumph Road and Southeast Veterans Memorial Parkway while investigators worked at the scene. Drivers were urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes to allow emergency personnel and detectives to safely conduct their investigation.
Authorities have not yet released additional information regarding what may have led to the fatal incident. The investigation remains ongoing.