Deputies say the shooting happened during a family visit to a home in the Artistry neighborhood.
SARASOTA, Fla. — A 34-year-old Sarasota man has been charged with killing his girlfriend, his 6-year-old son and a family dog during a Saturday visit to his mother’s home, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office said.
Nicholas Novickis is being held without bond at the Sarasota County Correctional Facility on two counts of second-degree murder and one count of animal cruelty. The victims were identified as 34-year-old Allie Novickis and 6-year-old Phoenix Novickis. Investigators said the motive remains unknown.
Deputies were called around 11:38 a.m. Saturday to a home at 4707 Mondrian Court in the gated Artistry neighborhood, east of Interstate 75 near Palmer Boulevard and Lorraine Road. Sheriff’s officials said deputies entered the home and found Nicholas Novickis in the kitchen, where he was arrested without incident.
A probable cause affidavit says Novickis’ mother, Donna, had been upstairs asleep after the family arrived to swim. She told investigators she woke to the sound of breaking glass and looked toward the back lanai, where she saw her son with a shotgun. The affidavit says she called 911 and fled the home after seeing the victims.
Investigators said surveillance video from the pool lanai did not show an argument or disturbance before the shooting. Allie Novickis and Phoenix Novickis were found dead inside the residence. The dog was shot and taken to an emergency veterinary hospital, where it later died, the sheriff’s office said.
The case is still under investigation. Sheriff’s officials have not released a suspected motive or said whether more charges could be filed. Court records cited in local reports say Novickis made a statement in an interview room expressing regret after his arrest.
Novickis remained jailed Wednesday with no bond. The next public step in the case is expected to come through court filings as prosecutors review the second-degree murder and animal cruelty charges.
Author note: Last updated May 27, 2026.