An online fundraiser for 30-year-old Ralphy Varela has raised thousands of dollars after he lost both parents in a murder-suicide at a Port St. Lucie home over the weekend. The fundraiser has been widely shared across social media, along with a photo of Varela and his mother, Elizabeth Ortega.
Ortega, a longtime Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office communications officer, was killed Saturday at her home on Southeast Oxmoor Terrace, according to Port St. Lucie police. Investigators say her longtime partner, Ralph Varela Sr., shot her before taking his own life. Detectives say the couple had recently ended their long-term relationship but continued living together while other arrangements were being made. Police said the couple's adult son had left the home shortly before the shooting occurred.
The fundraiser was created by Jorge Uricoechea to support Ralphy Varela, who serves as a firefighter-paramedic with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. One lifelong friend described Ortega simply as very loved. Supporters say the fundraiser is a way to honor Ortega's memory while helping her son rebuild in the days and weeks ahead.