Florida Tragedy: Mother and Two Children Found Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide, Authorities Report

The investigation began when deputies received a distressing call on Thursday evening, around 8:30 p.m., from a father who was traveling overseas in South America. Concerned about the welfare of his family after being unable to reach them, he requested a welfare check at their home on Pavia Way, located within The Lake Club community.

Upon arrival, deputies encountered unspecified circumstances that compelled them to enter the residence. Though the specific details of these circumstances remain undisclosed, officials have characterized the scene they found inside as distressingly violent.

Inside the home, deputies discovered the lifeless bodies of 14-year-old Josh James, 11-year-old Emma James, and their mother, Monika Rubacha, each in different rooms. Manatee County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Randy Warren later confirmed the identities of the victims and the nature of the tragic events that took place.

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Randy Warren said deputies entered the home to find a 14-year-old Josh James, 11-year-old Emma James and their mother, 44-year-old Monika Rubacha, dead in separate rooms. 

“This is a horrible, horrible thing for the deputies to have to witness. Even worse for this father and the husband, who was on his way back from South America, flew in this morning and had to be notified of what happened here,” Warren said. 

The spokesperson said that based on evidence, investigators are confident this was a murder-suicide and that no one else entered the home or left the scene. He also shared that the family had moved to the neighborhood from Missouri about three years ago and that deputies had never been called to the home before. 

The medical examiner will determine an official cause of death as the case remains active and ongoing. 

“What happened inside this home is something that maybe nobody could have predicted. We really don’t know what led up to that. It’s horrible to even imagine what would have been going through the mind of this mother that led up to this. There was some planning involved, enough to where she knew what she was doing,” Warren said. 

Neighbors told 10 Tampa Bay News they were shocked to hear what happened in their quiet, gated neighborhood. 

“Total surprise and shock. This neighborhood’s so quiet. Of course, we don’t know any of the facts, I guess. But hearing that happened in your neighborhood is quite shocking,” one neighbor said.

The Lake Club HOA and management issued the following statement to those living in the community:

“We are aware of a tragic incident that occurred within The Lake Club. At this time, the matter remains under investigation by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. We do not have additional information to provide. 

Our hearts are with the family and all those affected during this incredibly difficult time. 

As this is an active investigation and out of respect for those involved, we will not be providing further comment.”

The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached 24/7 by calling or texting 988. The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay can be reached by calling 211 for support in instances of sexual assault, domestic violence, financial distress, substance abuse or suicidal thoughts.