A Port St. Lucie community is grieving the tragic loss of Elizabeth Ortega, 50, who died after a domestic-related shooting Saturday evening, August 1, 2026, in what authorities say was a fatal act of domestic violence that ended with the suspected gunman taking his own life.
According to the Port St. Lucie Police Department, officers responded to a residence in the 2000 block of SE Oxmoor Terrace, where they discovered Ortega suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Investigators identified the suspected shooter as Ralph Varela Sr., 50, who had been in a long-term domestic relationship with Ortega. The couple reportedly lived together with their adult son and were in the process of separating.
Police said the couple’s adult son left the residence at approximately 7:30 p.m. to pick up dinner from a nearby restaurant. Detectives found no indication of an argument or disturbance inside the home before he departed.
Authorities believe that shortly after the son left, Varela armed himself with an AR-style .223-caliber rifle and opened fire on Ortega inside the residence. Despite being wounded, Ortega managed to flee the home and ran into the front yard in a desperate attempt to escape.
Investigators said Varela continued firing as Ortega fled, striking her multiple times before she collapsed outside the home.
First responders rushed Ortega to safety, and she was airlifted to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital for emergency treatment. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, she later died from her injuries.
Police said Varela returned inside the residence following the shooting. Officers later located him deceased from what investigators believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
As part of the investigation, detectives recovered home surveillance footage that captured portions of the incident. Authorities continue to process evidence while awaiting final findings from the Medical Examiner’s Office.
The deaths have left family members, friends, and the Port St. Lucie community mourning the loss of Elizabeth Ortega, whose life was cut short in an act of domestic violence. Police said the investigation remains active, and additional information may be released as it becomes available.
