Sarasota Shooting Suspect Brought Weapons Cache to Crime Scene

Police say the suspect had 2 handguns, 5 knives, and other weapons when he allegedly killed 6 people across 2 Florida homes.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Three days after multiple people were found killed in Sarasota and Fort Lauderdale homes in related shootings, police in Florida have revealed that the suspect, Russell Kot, showed up to the Sarasota residence with two handguns, five knives and other weapons. Kot is suspected of killing 6 people across the two homes before taking his own life.

Why it matters

The Sarasota and Fort Lauderdale shootings have shocked the local communities, raising concerns about gun violence and the ability of suspected perpetrators to easily access multiple firearms and other weapons. The case also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in preventing such tragedies and the need for potential reforms around mental health support and firearm regulations.

The details

According to police, Kot traveled from Fort Lauderdale to Sarasota after allegedly killing Larisa Blyudaya, 46, and Ben Azivov, 18, at a home in Fort Lauderdale. In Sarasota, he is accused of fatally shooting Olga Greinert, 49, Florita Stolyar, 66, Anatoly Ioffe, 61, and Yaroslav Blyudoy, 39, at a home within a gated community. A search of Kot's vehicle uncovered two additional handguns, ammunition, five knives, rope, tape and an axe.

  • On February 10, deputies responded to the Fallcrest home around 12:30 p.m. and found multiple victims.
  • Police confirmed via surveillance footage that Kot drove through the Sarasota neighborhood before the shootings.
  • The Fort Lauderdale Police Department contacted Sarasota authorities, believing the Sarasota shooting was linked to their investigation.

The players

Russell Kot

A 51-year-old suspect who is accused of killing 6 people across 2 homes in Fort Lauderdale and Sarasota, Florida.

Larisa Blyudaya

A 46-year-old woman who was killed in a Fort Lauderdale home, allegedly by Kot.

Ben Azivov

An 18-year-old who was killed in a Fort Lauderdale home, allegedly by Kot.

Olga Greinert

A 49-year-old housekeeper who was killed in a Sarasota home, allegedly by Kot.

Florita Stolyar

A 66-year-old woman who was killed in a Sarasota home, allegedly by Kot.

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What’s next

The investigation into the case remains ongoing as authorities work to determine a motive and timeline for the shootings.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for improved mental health support, stronger gun regulations, and better coordination between law enforcement agencies to prevent such devastating acts of violence from occurring in the future.