Deputies said the shooting happened during a family visit to a gated community pool.
SARASOTA, Fla. — A 34-year-old Sarasota man has pleaded not guilty after deputies said he fatally shot his 6-year-old son, his girlfriend and the family dog during a May 23 visit to his mother’s home.
Nicholas A. Novickis is charged in the deaths of Allie Novickis, 34, and their son, Phoenix, at a home in the Artistry neighborhood. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office said investigators have not identified a motive and are reviewing evidence from the home, vehicles and surveillance video.
Deputies said Nicholas Novickis, Allie Novickis and Phoenix went to his mother’s home in the 4700 block of Mondrian Court to swim. His mother was asleep when they arrived, according to an affidavit. She later woke to the sound of breaking glass and saw Phoenix near the lanai door. Investigators said Nicholas Novickis then walked onto the lanai with a shotgun, racked it and shot the child. Sheriff’s Office spokesman Doug Johnson said the family had gone to the house “to swim in the pool and enjoy the day.”
The affidavit said surveillance video showed Nicholas Novickis walking inside from the lanai with Allie following him before she later went out of view. Investigators said he returned with the shotgun. Deputies said his mother called 911 and saw him shoot the family’s husky, which later died at an animal hospital. She was not injured. Deputies later found Allie Novickis dead from a gunshot wound. Authorities said there was no clear argument or disturbance before the shootings.
Novickis was arrested after deputies responded to the home. Court records show he entered a written not guilty plea Thursday. He faces two counts of second-degree murder and one count of animal cruelty. Officials said he was being held without bond while the case moves through court.
Johnson said investigators were seeking search warrants and interviewing people who knew the family as they looked for a motive. He said Novickis had asked for an attorney and was not cooperating with investigators. Authorities said the case remains active, and additional evidence could shape future court filings.
The deaths left relatives and neighbors searching for answers after what deputies described as an ordinary family visit turned violent. Investigators said the next steps include evidence review, witness interviews and further court proceedings in Sarasota County.
Author note: Last updated May 30, 2026.