Florida Man Kills Ex-Girlfriend, Her Family in Cross-State Shooting Spree

Russell Kot, 51, murdered six people, including his former partner and her teenage son, before taking his own life

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Russell Kot, a 51-year-old Illinois native, killed his ex-girlfriend Larisa Blyudoy and her 18-year-old son Ben Azizov at their Fort Lauderdale residence on February 10. Kot then drove over 200 miles to Sarasota, where he murdered Larisa's mother Florita Stolyar, her brother Yarolslav "Stan" Blyudoy, her stepfather Anatoly Ioffe, and the family's housekeeper Olga Greinert, before taking his own life.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of domestic violence and the need for better support systems and intervention programs to prevent such horrific acts of violence. The shooting spree also raises questions about gun control laws and mental health resources in Florida.

The details

According to police, Kot and Larisa had recently broken up at the end of 2025 after living together. On February 10, Kot went to Larisa's Fort Lauderdale home and shot her and her son Ben. He then drove to Sarasota and killed Larisa's mother, brother, stepfather, and the family's housekeeper before taking his own life. Authorities say they found multiple firearms, ammunition, knives, rope, and an axe in Kot's car, and that each victim was shot multiple times.

  • On February 10, 2026, Kot killed Larisa Blyudoy and her son Ben Azizov at their Fort Lauderdale residence.
  • Kot then drove over 200 miles to Sarasota, arriving just before noon on February 10, 2026.
  • At the Sarasota residence, Kot killed Larisa's mother Florita Stolyar, her brother Yarolslav "Stan" Blyudoy, her stepfather Anatoly Ioffe, and the family's housekeeper Olga Greinert.
  • After the Sarasota murders, Kot took his own life.

The players

Russell Kot

A 51-year-old Illinois native who had recently moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida and was previously in a relationship with one of the victims, Larisa Blyudoy.

Larisa Blyudoy

Kot's ex-girlfriend, who he killed along with her 18-year-old son Ben Azizov at their Fort Lauderdale residence.

Ben Azizov

Larisa Blyudoy's 18-year-old son, who was killed by Kot at their Fort Lauderdale home.

Florita Stolyar

Larisa Blyudoy's mother, who Kot killed at the family's Sarasota residence.

Yarolslav "Stan" Blyudoy

Larisa Blyudoy's brother, who Kot killed at the family's Sarasota home.

Anatoly Ioffe

Larisa Blyudoy's stepfather, who Kot killed at the family's Sarasota residence.

Olga Greinert

The family's housekeeper, who Kot killed at the Sarasota home.

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What’s next

Authorities are still investigating Kot's motive for the shooting spree, as they have not found any apparent triggering event prior to the murders.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for improved domestic violence prevention and intervention programs, as well as stronger gun control measures, to protect vulnerable individuals and communities from such senseless acts of violence.