NewsSNN NewsAugust 3, 2026Manatee County
Manatee County Sheriff's Office reports death of Communications Officer Elizabeth Ortega
Photo: SNN News
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office confirmed the death of Communications Officer Elizabeth “Liz” Ortega in a murder-suicide. Ortega served the agency for more than ten years.
Read the full story at SNN NewsWhy It Matters
The incident results in the loss of a long-term public safety employee who served the community for over a decade.
Key Facts
- Elizabeth “Liz” Ortega was a Communications Officer for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
- Ortega had been employed by the agency for over ten years.
- The sheriff's office confirmed Ortega died in a murder-suicide.
Who's Mentioned
PersonElizabeth Ortega“Communications officer for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office who was killed”OrganizationPort St. Lucie Police Department“Investigating agency for the incident.”OrganizationManatee County Sheriff's Office“The law enforcement agency employing the deceased”PersonRalph Varela Sr.“Partner of Elizabeth Ortega, identified by police as the perpetrator of the murd”OrganizationPalm Beach County Sheriff’s Office“Employer of the deceased.”PersonRalph Varela Jr.“Son of the deceased and a firefighter with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.”OrganizationGreenacres Police Department“Former employer of Elizabeth Ortega.”PersonElizabeth “Liz” Ortega“Communications Officer at the Manatee County Sheriff's Office”