LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. — The Manatee County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) announced Friday a 44-year-old mother killed her two children.
According to MCSO, the mother and two children were found inside a Lakewood Ranch home.
On Saturday, MCSO identified the mother as 44-year-old Monika Rubacha, and the children as Josh James, 14, and Emma James, 11.
Watch report from Tampa Bay 28 reporter Jada Williams
MCSO deputies responded to the residence in the 8200 block of Pavia Way around 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 26 after receiving a call from the father of the children, who is also the homeowner, who requested a welfare check after not being able to reach the family.
Deputies determined Rubacha killed her 14-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter, before she took her own life.
MCSO said all the occupants inside the home were found in separate rooms.
MCSO added there is no active threat to the community.
The family had just moved to the area from Missouri, per MCSO. The father was away in South America and received the news of the murder-suicide during a call while he was in the air on his return flight.
This case remains active and ongoing. And the medical examiner will determine the official causes and manner of death.
Wiregrass Elementary staff report injuries, Pasco County Schools investigates
Pasco County Schools is investigating Wiregrass Elementary after teachers and staff reported on-the-job injuries and a lack of administrative support.
