Authorities are investigating a murder-suicide at a Florida home where they believe a man fatally shot his wife before she died.
Suspected murder-suicide appeared to be planned, according to Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staley. When detectives searched the man’s car, they found a note mentioning the alleged sneaky plan.
The sheriff’s office said Thursday, Oct. 1, that deputies responded to a Palm Coast home just after 10 p.m. the night before following multiple 911 calls reporting a shooting that evening.
Within five minutes of the initial 911 call, deputies discovered an identified man. Rakim-Shakur Brooks According to the agency, he died from a self-inflicted injury in the home’s garage.
Deputies also found Brooks’ wife. Dawn Estrelladead in the bedroom. The sheriff’s office said the woman was shot several times.
After deputies initiated life-saving measures, Flagler County Fire Marshal pronounced 47-year-old Estrella dead at the scene, according to officials.
“Deputies also found two other individuals in the home who were unharmed,” the sheriff’s office said.
According to the agency, one of the two people considered as witnesses in the investigation told detectives he heard the argument between Brooks, 55, and Estrella, followed by several gunshots.
The sheriff’s office said the woman said “the couple had argued and drank in the past.”
An investigation revealed that Brooks and Estrella broke up after marrying each other in 2024. Their relationship lasted about nine years.
“Our prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragic and senseless violence,” Staly said in a statement. “Sadly, this is the second domestic-related murder-suicide we have investigated in the last few weeks.”
The sheriff discussed the alleged domestic violence incident at a news conference Thursday.
According to authorities, Brooks had a long criminal history that culminated in a murder-suicide.
He has 17 previous arrests, including 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 a news release.
Brooks has been convicted of eight felonies and five misdemeanors and has been incarcerated six separate times, according to the agency.
“This man had a long and violent history, but no amount of anger justifies taking another person’s life,” Staly said. “I want to emphasize once again that domestic violence has no place in our society. If you are in a violent or abusive relationship, I urge you to reach out for help. Reaching out could save your life.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.