BRADENTON, Fla. — Authorities in Manatee County are delving into the circumstances that led a mother to commit a murder-suicide involving her two children. This heartbreaking event took place in a luxurious, gated community in Lakewood Ranch.

On Thursday evening around 8:30 p.m., deputies responded to a welfare check request at a Pavia Way home within The Lake Club. The call came from a worried father who was overseas in South America and unable to reach his family.

Upon arrival, deputies noticed concerning signs that compelled them to enter the residence. While the specifics of these signs remain undisclosed, the sheriff’s office has described the scene as extremely “violent.”

According to Manatee County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Randy Warren, inside the house, deputies discovered the bodies of 14-year-old Josh James, 11-year-old Emma James, and their mother, 44-year-old Monika Rubacha, each in separate rooms.

“This is a deeply distressing event for the deputies who had to witness it, and even more so for the father and husband who was returning from South America,” Warren stated. “He arrived this morning only to receive the devastating news of what occurred here.”

The spokesperson said that based on evidence, investigators are confident this was a murder-suicide and that no one else entered the home or left the scene. He also shared that the family had moved to the neighborhood from Missouri about three years ago and that deputies had never been called to the home before. 

The medical examiner will determine an official cause of death as the case remains active and ongoing. 

“What happened inside this home is something that maybe nobody could have predicted. We really don’t know what led up to that. It’s horrible to even imagine what would have been going through the mind of this mother that led up to this. There was some planning involved, enough to where she knew what she was doing,” Warren said. 

Neighbors told 10 Tampa Bay News they were shocked to hear what happened in their quiet, gated neighborhood. 

“Total surprise and shock. This neighborhood’s so quiet. Of course, we don’t know any of the facts, I guess. But hearing that happened in your neighborhood is quite shocking,” one neighbor said.

The Lake Club HOA and management issued the following statement to those living in the community:

“We are aware of a tragic incident that occurred within The Lake Club. At this time, the matter remains under investigation by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. We do not have additional information to provide. 

Our hearts are with the family and all those affected during this incredibly difficult time. 

As this is an active investigation and out of respect for those involved, we will not be providing further comment.”

The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached 24/7 by calling or texting 988. The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay can be reached by calling 211 for support in instances of sexual assault, domestic violence, financial distress, substance abuse or suicidal thoughts.