Share and Follow
Insets: Laikyn Marie West and Ronald Racki (Venice police). Background: The 500 block of Spur Street in Venice, Florida. where Racki owns a used car dealership (Google Maps).
A man from Florida has been arrested over 17 months after allegedly using chloroform to kill a woman, subsequently hiding her body at an undisclosed location.
Ronald Chester Racki, aged 75, has been charged with second-degree murder for the death of 24-year-old Laikyn Marie West in Venice. Authorities announced the arrest on Friday during a press conference.
The investigation began when West’s roommate in Bradenton reported her missing in September 2024, mentioning she hadn’t been seen for three days. Detectives discovered that Racki was the last known individual to be in contact with West. According to a probable cause affidavit reported by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Racki and West had a phone conversation on the morning of September 13, 2024.
Racki confessed to police that he compensated West for sexual services. On the day of her disappearance, he picked her up and they went for lunch in Venice. However, investigators found no evidence indicating he returned her to her residence.
Further investigation into West’s journal revealed that Racki had paid her over $900 to use chloroform on her during their encounters. Although Racki denied ever using chloroform on her, he acknowledged utilizing the substance at his used car dealership on Spur Street.
Detectives obtained a warrant for Racki’s phone where they reportedly found several disturbing images. There were photos of a nude West who was bound with handcuffs and cable ties. One of the pictures was taken around 10 p.m. the day West went missing. Cops also reportedly discovered violent pornography.
In December 2024, a couple of weeks after cops interviewed Racki about West’s disappearance, he tried to commit suicide, police stated. While in the hospital, he reportedly told a nurse “I killed four women six weeks ago,” although detectives have not found any credible evidence to back up this claim.
According to the affidavit, officers spoke with a car detailer who told them he worked on one of Racki’s vehicles. He reportedly said he noticed a suspicious stain on the rear floor and smelled an odd odor.
Racki was arrested on Friday morning and taken to the Sarasota County Jail where he remains without bond. His next court date is scheduled for March 20.
Police continue to search for West’s body.
“After months of careful and coordinated investigative work, the evidence developed in this case supports this arrest and charge,” said Venice Police Chief Andy Leisenring. “We remain committed to seeking justice for Laikyn West and to bringing answers to her family.”