With profound sadness, family, friends, and members of the Port St. Lucie community are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Elizabeth Ortega, 50, who was killed in a domestic-related shooting on Saturday evening, August 1, 2026.
According to the Port St. Lucie Police Department, the tragedy unfolded at a residence in the 2000 block of SE Oxmoor Terrace. Investigators said Elizabeth and Ralph Varela Sr., 50, had been in a long-term domestic relationship, lived together with their adult son, and were in the process of separating.
Police said the couple’s adult son left the home at approximately 7:30 p.m. to pick up dinner from a local restaurant. Detectives determined there was no known argument or disturbance inside the residence before he left.
Investigators believe that after the son departed, Varela armed himself with an AR-style .223-caliber rifle and began firing at Elizabeth inside the home. Despite being shot, Elizabeth desperately tried to escape by running outside into the front yard. Authorities said Varela continued firing as she fled, striking her multiple times before she collapsed.
Responding officers found Elizabeth suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was airlifted to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Police said Varela then returned inside the residence, where officers later found him deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Detectives recovered home surveillance video that captured portions of the shooting and continue to process evidence as the investigation remains active. Final findings from the Medical Examiner’s Office are still pending.
Elizabeth’s heartbreaking death has left her family, friends, and the Port St. Lucie community devastated. As loved ones mourn her tragic passing, they remember the life she lived and the love she shared with those around her. May her memory forever be a blessing, and may she rest in eternal peace.