A tragic shooting in Sarasota, Florida, has left a family devastated after authorities say a man fatally shot his girlfriend, 4-year-old son, and family dog during a routine pool day at his mother’s home.
Nicholas Novickis, 34, reportedly walked out onto the lanai of his mother’s gated Artistry neighborhood home on May 23, 2026, armed with a pump-action shotgun. Surveillance footage, cited in the probable cause affidavit, allegedly shows Novickis racking the shotgun and shooting his son, Phoenix Novickis, in the head.
Sequence of the Shooting
Police said there was no visible argument or disturbance prior to the shooting. Novickis’ mother was asleep upstairs when the first shots rang out and woke to the sound of breaking glass. She reportedly witnessed her grandson standing near the doorway before Novickis fired the fatal shot.
According to authorities, after shooting his son, Novickis allegedly shot his girlfriend, Allie Novickis, who is not legally married to him, and then killed the family dog, described as a husky. His mother was able to secure the shotgun and escape the residence without injury.
No Known Motive
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that there is currently no known motive for the killings. Investigators said the family had come to the home to enjoy a pool day, and there were no prior warning signs of violence.
During a police interview, Novickis reportedly expressed regret, calling the act “f—ed up,” though he did not provide further explanation.
Criminal Charges and Court Appearance
Nicholas Novickis was arrested and booked on two counts of first-degree murder and an animal cruelty charge. Authorities confirmed he had no significant prior criminal history other than a minor speeding offense.
Novickis is scheduled to appear at a pretrial detention hearing on Friday, May 29. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killings remains ongoing.
