In a tragic incident in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, a mother ended the lives of her two children before taking her own, an act authorities have classified as a double homicide-suicide.
Deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, arriving for a welfare check, found three individuals deceased inside the residence. The investigation, led by detectives from the Manatee Homicide Investigation Unit, determined that the mother was responsible for the deaths of her children prior to her own.
Investigators confirmed there was no involvement from any other individuals, assuring the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
The victims, as reported by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, were named as Monika Rubacha, 44, alongside her children, Josh James, 14, and Emma James, 11.
Law enforcement vehicles from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office were seen in the Lakewood Ranch area as they conducted their investigation into the heartbreaking double homicide-suicide involving the family. (Photo courtesy of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office)
Officials described the scene encountered by the deputies as one indicating a “violent murder scene.”
The case remains active as detectives continue reviewing evidence. The medical examiner will determine the official cause and manner of the deaths.
According to the Herald-Tribune, Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Randy Warren said preliminary findings suggest Josh James may have died earlier than his sister and mother as investigators work to establish a precise timeline.
Monika Rubacha with her children, Josh James, 14, and Emma James, 11, in a family photo. Authorities say Rubacha killed her two children inside their Lakewood Ranch, Fla., home before taking her own life. (Monika Karina Rubacha/ Facebook)
The outlet also reported that authorities believe there was some level of planning involved and that the mother “knew what she was doing,” citing Warren.
“This is unimaginable that two children were killed inside their home by a parent, and then she took her own life,” Warren told FOX 13.
Warren also told the station that deputies had never previously responded to the home since the family moved there from Missouri about three years ago.
Crime scene tape surrounds the upscale Lakewood Ranch home where authorities say Monika Rubacha killed her children, Josh James and Emma James, before taking her own life. (Manatee County Sheriff’s Office)
“There’s really nothing there that would have indicated this would have happened,” said Warren.
The children’s father was traveling in South America at the time of the killings and returned to Florida after being notified, authorities said, calling it “an incredible emotional day for him,” according to FOX 13.
Neighbors described shock rippling through the gated community.
“It’s a total surprise and shock. This neighborhood is so quiet,” Paul Henne, a resident of The Lake Club, told FOX 13.
“It’s a family community with small kids. It really hits you hard when you hear about that stuff happening.”
The Lake Club at Lakewood Ranch, the gated community where the family lived, said in a statement to FOX 13 it is aware of the tragedy and that its “hearts are with the family and all those affected during this incredibly difficult time.”
A motive has not been released.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for comment.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
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