New details have emerged in the deadly Port St. Lucie murder-suicide that claimed the life of a longtime Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office emergency communications employee.
Port St. Lucie police identified the victim as Elizabeth “Liz” Ortega, who had been in a domestic relationship with Ralph Varela Sr. for more than 30 years. Although the couple was never legally married, they shared an adult son and continued living together after Ortega ended the relationship while Varela searched for a new place to live.
Investigators said there had been no previous calls for domestic violence or disturbances at the Southeast Oxmoor Terrace home.
Police said the shooting unfolded around 7:30 p.m. Saturday, when Varela allegedly used an AR-style rifle to kill Ortega. Investigators said he first shot her inside the home before surveillance video captured Ortega running outside in an attempt to escape. Police said Varela continued firing until she collapsed on the front lawn. Authorities said 10 rounds were fired before Varela took his own life.
On Monday, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Ortega worked in its Emergency Communications Division. She began her career with the Greenacres Police Department in 2001 before joining PBSO following the 2016 merger.
In a statement, PBSO described Ortega as a respected and beloved member of the agency, remembered for her kindness, compassion and “a warm smile that could brighten any room.”
The sheriff’s office also said Ortega’s son, Ralph Varela Jr., serves as a firefighter with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.
Investigators said the couple’s son has been cooperating fully with the investigation. Police said he was familiar with his parents’ relationship but did not witness any argument or disturbance before leaving the home prior to the shooting.
Funeral arrangements for Ortega are pending.
