NewsWFLA News Channel 8August 3, 2026Hillsborough
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office reports death of Communications Officer Elizabeth Ortega
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office confirmed the death of Communications Officer Elizabeth “Liz” Ortega in a murder-suicide. Ortega had served with the agency for more than ten years.
Read the full story at WFLA News Channel 8Why It Matters
The incident results in the loss of a long-term public safety employee within the Hillsborough County communications division.
Key Facts
- Elizabeth Ortega served as a Communications Officer for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
- Ortega had been employed by the agency for over a decade.
- The sheriff's office identified the cause of death as a murder-suicide.
Who's Mentioned
personElizabeth “Liz” Ortega“Communications Officer at the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office”organizationHillsborough County Sheriff's Office“The law enforcement agency reporting the incident”personElizabeth Ortega“Communications officer for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office who was killed”personRalph Varela Jr.“Son of the deceased and a firefighter with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.”organizationPalm Beach County Sheriff’s Office“Employer of the deceased.”organizationGreenacres Police Department“Former employer of Elizabeth Ortega.”organizationPort St. Lucie Police Department“Investigating agency for the incident.”personRalph Varela Sr.“Partner of Elizabeth Ortega, identified by police as the shooter.”