Authorities are investigating an apparent murder-suicide at a Florida home. They assume that a man fatally shot his wife before his death.
According to the Flagler County Sheriff, the suspected murder-suicide appeared to be planned Rick Staley. During a search of the man’s car, investigators found a note mentioning the alleged sinister plan.
The sheriff’s office said Thursday, Oct. 1: Press release that officers responded to a home in Palm Coast just after 10 p.m. the previous evening after multiple 911 calls reporting a shooting that evening.
Within five minutes of the initial 911 call, officers spotted a man identified as Rakim Shakur Brooks According to the agency, he died of an apparent self-inflicted injury in the home’s garage.
Officers also found Brooks’ wife, Dawn Estrelladead in a bedroom. She was shot multiple times, the sheriff’s office said.
After officers initiated life-saving measures, Flagler County Fire Department personnel pronounced 47-year-old Estrella dead at the scene, according to authorities.
“Officers also found two other people inside the home uninjured,” the sheriff’s office said.
One of the two people believed to be witnesses in the investigation told investigators she heard an argument between Brooks, 55, and Estrella before hearing several gunshots, the agency said.
The woman said the couple “had a history of arguing and drinking,” the sheriff’s office said.
An investigation revealed that Brooks and Estrella separated after getting married in 2024. Their relationship had lasted about nine years.
“Our prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragic and senseless violence,” Staly said in a statement. “Unfortunately, this is the second domestic murder-suicide we have investigated in recent weeks.”
The sheriff discussed the alleged domestic violence incident on a Thursday press conference.
California authorities believe a husband fatally shot his wife before taking his own life in an apparent murder-suicide at their home. The Santa Monica Police Department said in a news release that officers responded to a residence in the 3100 block of Pico Boulevard, a major street in Los Angeles County (…)
Authorities said Brooks had a lengthy criminal history leading up to the alleged murder-suicide.
He has been arrested 17 times, including for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, robbery with a firearm, domestic violence, child abuse without great bodily harm and more, the sheriff’s office said in the news release.
According to the department, Brooks had been convicted of eight felonies and five misdemeanors and was incarcerated six consecutive times.
“This guy had a long and violent past, but no amount of anger justifies taking someone else’s life,” Staly said. “I want to reiterate that domestic violence has no place in our community. If you are in a violent or corrosive relationship, I urge you to seek help. Reaching out could save your life.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential assistance.
