The old adage about treating everyone you meet with kindness because you have no idea what they are battling could not be truer in 2026. Most of us are pushing through our day-to-day lives with little chance to slow down, and often that means people are burying their worries deep down inside. Looking from the outside in, the Rubacha family appeared to have it all. They were described as a “picture perfect family”: a devoted mother of two, an 11-year-old girl, a 14-year-old-boy, a successful and loving husband, and a stunning mansion in Florida. What could be more perfect? But evidently appearances are just that, because on February 23, 2026, authorities arrived to a gruesome scene.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office announced in a news release that deputies arrived at the home for a wellness check after Richard James called from a business trip in South America. He became concerned when his wife, Monika Rubacha, didn’t answer the phone nor did his children. Upon arrival, it was evident something was gravely wrong. Randy Warren of the sheriff’s office told Fox 13 it was a “violent scene” and authorities believe Monika caused it, killing her kids, Josh James, 14, and Emma James, 11, in different rooms before taking her own life.
“We really don’t know all that was in her frame of mind. But we are very confident all the parties that were involved in this are accounted for,” said Warren to Fox 13. “There was no one else who entered the home or left the scene. As tragic as this is, it is really unimaginable that two children were killed in their home by a parent, and then she proceeded to take her own life.”
According to the New York Post, medical examiners have not determined the official cause of death. Warren verified that the family had only moved to the community roughly three years ago.
“We have no incidents at this address. What we have discovered [is] that the family moved here from out of state, from Missouri, about 3 years ago, and we have not been out here for any calls,” Warren said, per Fox 13. “There’s really nothing there that would have indicated this would have happened.”
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
