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Authorities are investigating an apparent murder-suicide at a Florida home, where they believe a man killed his wife before he died.
According to the Flagler County Sheriff, the suspect appeared to be a planned murder-suicide. Rick Staley. Investigators found a note that referred to the alleged sinister plan when the man’s car was searched.
The sheriff’s office said in a news release Thursday, Oct. 1, that deputies responded to a Palm Coast home the night before 10 p.m. after multiple 911 calls reporting a shooting that night.
Within five minutes of the initial 911 call, deputies found a man identified as Rakim-Shakur Brooks dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted wound inside the home’s garage, according to the agency.
Deputies also found Brooks’ wife, Today’s Estrelladead inside a bedroom. He was shot multiple times, the sheriff’s office said.
After deputies began life-saving measures, Flagler County Fire Rescue personnel pronounced Estrella, 47, dead at the scene, according to authorities.
“Deputies also found two other people unharmed inside the home,” the sheriff’s office said.
One of the two considered witnesses in the investigation told investigators she heard an argument between Brooks, 55, and Estrella, before hearing several gunshots, according to the agency.
The woman said the couple “had a history of arguing and drinking,” the sheriff’s office said.
A search revealed that Brooks and Estrella separated after getting married in 2024. Their relationship had lasted for about nine years.
“Our prayers go out to everyone affected by this horrific and senseless act of violence,” Staly said in a statement. “Unfortunately, this is the second domestic-related homicide we have investigated in the past few weeks.”
The sheriff discussed the alleged domestic violence incident at a news conference Thursday.
Brooks had a long criminal history leading up to the murder-suicide, according to authorities.
He has been arrested 17 times before, including charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, robbery with a firearm, domestic battery, child abuse without great bodily harm, and more, the sheriff’s office said in the news release.
Brooks was convicted of eight felonies, five misdemeanors and was imprisoned six separate times, according to the agency.
“This guy had a long and violent history, but no amount of anger justifies taking someone else’s life,” said Staly. “I want to reiterate that domestic violence has no place in our community. If you are in an abusive or caustic relationship, I urge you to reach out for help. You may save your life by getting out.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential assistance.
