- October 5, 2026
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is investigating what it describes as an apparent domestic violence murder-suicide that occurred at a home on Weyanoke Lane in Palm Coast on the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 30.
According to FCSO, the Flagler County Emergency Communications Center received multiple 911 calls about a shooting at the home at 10:18 p.m. Deputies arrived within five minutes and found 55-year-old Rakim-Shakur Brooks dead inside the garage with what investigators described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Deputies also found 47-year-old Dawn Estrella in a bedroom with multiple gunshot wounds, FCSO said. Deputies began life-saving measures while Palm Coast Fire Department and Flagler County Fire Rescue responded. Estrella was pronounced dead by Flagler County Fire Rescue at 10:34 p.m. Two other people inside the home were unharmed.
The FCSO Major Case Unit and Crime Scene Investigation Unit responded to investigate. Detectives interviewed the two witnesses who were inside the home during the shooting. One witness told investigators she heard Brooks and Estrella arguing before hearing numerous gunshots. The witness also told detectives the couple had a history of arguing and drinking.
Based on its initial investigation, FCSO said detectives determined that Brooks shot Estrella multiple times following an argument and then took his own life. Brooks and Estrella were married in March 2024 but were in the process of separating. They had been in a relationship for approximately nine years.
“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.”
FCSO reported that Brooks had 17 previous arrests, including four in Flagler County. The Sheriff’s Office said his previous charges included aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, robbery with a firearm, domestic battery, child abuse without great bodily harm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, resisting an officer with violence and assault on a law enforcement officer. Those arrests resulted in eight felony convictions, five misdemeanor convictions and six incarcerations in state prison, according to FCSO.
“This guy had a lengthy and violent history, but no amount of anger justifies taking someone else’s life,” Staly said. “I again want to emphasize that domestic violence has no place in our community. If you are in a violent or caustic relationship, I ask you to reach out for help. Reaching out may just save your life.”
FCSO said detectives are continuing to investigate how Brooks, a convicted felon, obtained the firearm 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 in an emergency. The Family Life Center also operates a 24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Helpline by call or text at 386-437-3505.
