The Port St. Lucie community is grieving the devastating loss of Elizabeth Ortega, 50, whose life was tragically taken during a domestic-related shooting on the evening of Saturday, August 1, 2026. According to the Port St. Lucie Police Department, the incident occurred at a residence in the 2000 block of SE Oxmoor Terrace, where Elizabeth lived with Ralph Varela Sr., 50, and their adult son. Investigators said the couple had been in a long-term relationship and were in the process of separating. Earlier that evening, their adult son left the home around 7:30 p.m. to pick up dinner from a nearby restaurant. Authorities reported there were no known arguments or disturbances before he departed, making the tragedy that followed even more heartbreaking.

Detectives believe that after the son left the residence, Varela armed himself with an AR-style .223-caliber rifle and opened fire on Elizabeth inside the home. Despite suffering gunshot wounds, Elizabeth desperately attempted to save her own life by running outside into the front yard. Investigators said the shooting continued as she fled, and she was struck multiple times before collapsing. Responding officers found her critically injured and immediately rendered aid before she was airlifted to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, where medical professionals fought to save her life. Tragically, despite every effort, Elizabeth succumbed to her injuries. Authorities later found Varela deceased inside the residence from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Detectives recovered home surveillance footage capturing portions of the incident and continue processing evidence while awaiting final findings from the Medical Examiner’s Office. The investigation remains active as officials work to establish every detail surrounding the tragedy.