Suspect named in Florida shooting incident that resulted in 6 fatalities

Identification of Suspect in Florida Shootings

Authorities have identified the man believed to be behind two mass shootings in Sarasota and Fort Lauderdale. Russell Cott, who is 51 years old, is suspected of shooting and killing six people before taking his own life, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators revealed that Cott had previously been in a romantic relationship with one of the victims in Fort Lauderdale, who was connected to victims in Sarasota as well.

The incident began with a 911 call about a shooting at a home in the Amberley neighborhood of Sarasota on Tuesday afternoon. Upon arrival, deputies found neighbors carrying out CPR on the victim in the front yard. Unfortunately, the man was later pronounced dead.

In light of concerns for the victim’s wife, investigators searched the house and discovered four more deceased individuals—two men and two women.

Detectives received information indicating a possible connection between this shooting and a prior double homicide investigation by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. They learned the suspect’s vehicle was seen driving north before the Sarasota shooting, and footage from a neighbor’s security camera captured the vehicle entering the area shortly before the shots were fired.

Afterward, authorities found Cott dead in his home. The other victims were identified as Olga Greinat, 49, Florita Stolyar, 66, Anatoly Ioffe, 61, and Yaroslav Brydoy, 39.

Details regarding Cott’s mental health or any history of violence remain unclear, but initial findings suggest he died from self-inflicted wounds. The reasoning for targeting the Sarasota victim is still a mystery.

In the Fort Lauderdale incident, the victims were identified as Larisa Brydaya, 48, and her son Ben Azibov, 18. According to Joe Askerberg, property manager of the home where they were found, the family is heartbroken. He mentioned that Larisa was always cheerful and had a positive demeanor.