A welfare check in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday afternoon led authorities to a heartbreaking discovery inside a condominium in the Victoria Park neighborhood. Officers responding to concerns at a third-floor unit on Northeast 15th Avenue found 46-year-old Larisa Blyudaya and her 18-year-old son, Ben Azizov, deceased. What initially appeared to be an isolated incident soon expanded into a far more complex investigation spanning multiple jurisdictions.
Earlier that same day, approximately 150 miles away in Sarasota County’s Amberlea neighborhood, a resident reported hearing a loud noise late in the morning. Shortly afterward, she located an injured man in a nearby yard and called emergency services while attempting to provide aid. The man, later identified as 61-year-old Anatoly “Tony” Ioffe, was pronounced deceased. Deputies entering the home discovered three additional victims: Tony’s wife, Florita “Rita” Stolyar; their son, Yaroslav “Stan” Blyudoy; and family friend Olga Greinert. A fifth individual, identified as 51-year-old Russell Kot of Fort Lauderdale, was also found at the scene and, according to authorities, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
As investigators from both regions coordinated efforts, they identified familial connections between the individuals in Sarasota and Larisa Blyudaya in Fort Lauderdale. Officials stated that evidence suggests the suspect traveled between the two cities within the same day. Surveillance footage and neighborhood camera systems have been used to help establish a timeline of vehicle activity and movements. Law enforcement agencies, including the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, continue to analyze forensic findings, digital records, and witness statements as part of the active investigation.
The events have deeply affected relatives and members of both communities. A fundraising effort has been organized to assist surviving family members with funeral expenses and counseling support. Authorities stress that the case remains open as they work to determine a clear motive and document the full sequence of events. Anyone with credible information is urged to contact official law enforcement channels. Behind the ongoing investigation are families grappling with profound loss and a community seeking answers.