Family Devastated by Murders in Florida

Killings in Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota leave loved ones reeling

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A tragic series of murders has left a Florida family shattered. Larisa Blyudaya, 46, and her 19-year-old son Ben Azivov were shot and killed in their Fort Lauderdale home. Three other family members - Blyudaya's mother Florita Stolyar, 66, stepfather Anatoly Ioffe, 61, and brother Yaroslav 'Stan' Blyudoy, 39 - were also murdered in Sarasota. A family friend, Olga Greinert, 49, was also killed in the Sarasota incident. The suspected shooter, Russell Kot, 51, apparently took his own life.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the devastating impact of gun violence on families and communities. The murders have left surviving loved ones, including Blyudaya's daughter Eve, to grapple with unimaginable grief. The case also raises questions about the circumstances that led to the killings and whether there were any warning signs that could have prevented the tragedy.

The details

According to authorities, Blyudaya had allowed Kot, a family acquaintance, to temporarily stay at her Fort Lauderdale home as he looked for permanent housing in Florida. However, Kot allegedly turned violent, shooting and killing Blyudaya and her son Ben. He then traveled to Sarasota, where he murdered three more of Blyudaya's family members as well as a family friend, Olga Greinert, before apparently taking his own life.

  • On Tuesday, police responded to a 'wellness check' at Blyudaya's Fort Lauderdale apartment and discovered the bodies of Blyudaya and her son.
  • Also on Tuesday, deputies in Sarasota were directed to a home in a gated community where they found the bodies of Blyudaya's mother, stepfather, brother, and family friend Olga Greinert. The suspected shooter, Russell Kot, was also found dead at the Sarasota crime scene.

The players

Larisa Blyudaya

A 46-year-old Fort Lauderdale woman who was shot and killed in her home, along with her 19-year-old son.

Ben Azivov

Larisa Blyudaya's 19-year-old son who was shot and killed in their Fort Lauderdale home.

Russell Kot

The 51-year-old suspected shooter who killed Larisa Blyudaya, her family members, and a family friend in Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota before apparently taking his own life.

Florita Stolyar

Larisa Blyudaya's 66-year-old mother who was murdered in Sarasota.

Anatoly Ioffe

Larisa Blyudaya's 61-year-old stepfather who was murdered in Sarasota.

Yaroslav 'Stan' Blyudoy

Larisa Blyudaya's 39-year-old brother who was murdered in Sarasota.

Olga Greinert

A 49-year-old family friend who was murdered in the Sarasota incident.

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What they’re saying

“While the family understands the public's interest in what led to these events, at this point the reasons that Kot committed these unspeakable acts is of little relevance to them. As friends and family, our only concern is the welfare of the surviving family as they try to move forward and heal.”

— Seth Ginsberg, Attorney representing surviving members of Blyudaya's family (Sun Sentinel)

“They were not just names in a headline. They were loving parents, devoted parents, cherished children, and dear friends. Their loss leaves an unfillable space in the hearts of everyone who knew them.”

— Friends of the family (GoFundMe page)

What’s next

The investigation into the motives behind the murders is ongoing, and authorities are working to provide support and resources to the surviving family members as they grieve their devastating losses.

The takeaway

This tragic case serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating toll that gun violence can take on families and communities. It underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of such violence and ensuring that support systems are in place to help survivors through unimaginable grief.