BUNNELL, Fla. — The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an apparent murder-suicide that occurred at a home on Weyanoke Lane in Palm Coast on the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 30.
At 10:18 p.m., the Flagler County Emergency Communications Center received multiple 911 calls regarding a shooting incident at the residence. Deputies arrived at the residence within five minutes of the first call and located a man, later identified as Rakim-Shakur Brooks, 55, deceased inside the garage with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Deputies also located a woman, later identified as Dawn Estrella, 47, in a bedroom with multiple gunshot wounds. Deputies immediately began life-saving measures while Palm Coast Fire Department and Flagler County Fire Rescue responded. At 10:34 p.m., Flagler County Fire Rescue pronounced Estrella deceased.
Deputies also located two other individuals unharmed inside the home.
The FCSO Major Case Unit and Crime Scene Investigation Unit responded to investigate the deaths. Major Case detectives interviewed the two witnesses, who were in the home during the shooting. One witness told detectives she heard Brooks and Estrella involved in an argument, followed by numerous gunshots. The witness also stated the two had a history of arguing and drinking.
Based on the initial investigation, detectives determined that Brooks shot Estrella multiple times following an argument, 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,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Sadly, this is the second domestic-related murder-suicide we’ve investigated in the last few weeks.”
Brooks had an extensive criminal history, with 17 previous arrests, including four in Flagler County. He had been arrested for charges including 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. His arrests resulted in eight felony convictions, five misdemeanor convictions, and six incarcerations in state prison.
“This guy had a lengthy and violent history, but no amount of anger justifies taking someone else’s life,” Sheriff Staly added. “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.”
If you or someone you know are a victim of domestic violence, know that help and resources are always available by contacting the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office at 386-313-4911, or calling 911 in an emergency. The Family Life Center also provides a 24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Helpline, which you can call or text at 386-437-3505, or get resources by visiting flcfv.org/domestic-violence.
Detectives are still investigating how Brooks, a convicted felon, obtained the firearm used in the shooting, which was not reported stolen.
