PALM COAST, Fla. — The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an apparent domestic violence murder-suicide that left a husband and wife dead Wednesday night.
The shooting happened at a home on Weyanoke Lane in Palm Coast.
Multiple people called 911 around 10:18 p.m. Deputies arrived within five minutes and found 55-year-old Rakim-Shakur Brooks dead inside the garage from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies found 47-year-old Dawn Estrella inside a bedroom with multiple gunshot wounds. First responders attempted to save her, but she was pronounced dead at 10:34 p.m.
Two other people inside the home were not injured.
One witness told investigators that Brooks and Estrella had been arguing before numerous gunshots were heard. Detectives said their initial investigation determined that Brooks shot Estrella multiple times before taking his own life.
The couple married in March 2024 but were separating after a relationship of approximately nine years, according to investigators.
“Our prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragic and senseless violence,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Sadly, this is the second domestic-related murder-suicide we’ve investigated in the last few weeks.”
The sheriff’s office said Brooks was a convicted felon with 17 previous arrests. Detectives are investigating how he obtained the gun used in the shooting. The firearm had not been reported stolen.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence can contact the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office at 386-313-4911 or call 911 during an emergency. The Family Life Center’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Helpline is available by calling or texting 386-437-3505.
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