A Sarasota family visit in the Artistry neighborhood turned into a double homicide scene, with a 34‑year‑old man now charged in the killings of his girlfriend and their 6‑year‑old son, as well as the shooting death of the family dog. Authorities identified the victims as 34‑year‑old Allie Novickis and 6‑year‑old Phoenix Novickis, who were found on the back lanai. The suspect, 34‑year‑old Nicholas Novickis, faces two counts of second‑degree murder and one count of animal cruelty.
According to a news release from the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded around 11:38 a.m. on May 23 to a home at 4707 Mondrian Court, where they took Novickis into custody without incident. The agency’s release confirms the two homicide charges and the animal‑cruelty count, notes that the investigation is ongoing, and states that the dog was taken to an emergency veterinary hospital and later pronounced deceased.
Surveillance and the probable‑cause affidavit
A probable‑cause affidavit reviewed by Sarasota News Leader describes a grim scene on the lanai. The document says the suspect’s mother awoke to the sound of breaking glass, looked out, and saw Novickis walk onto the lanai carrying a shotgun. According to the affidavit and home‑camera footage, Novickis is seen racking the shotgun and shooting Phoenix in the head. Allie appears in the video shortly beforehand, though the moment she was shot was not captured, the records say.
While being held ahead of a formal interview, Novickis allegedly made a spontaneous statement expressing regret, then requested an attorney, the affidavit notes.
Evidence recovered and prior records
Court records cited by the Herald‑Tribune report that investigators found methadone in a pink liquid form in Novickis’ vehicle. Detectives later seized a plastic container labeled “methadone” that held large pills from an apartment in downtown Sarasota, the outlet says. The Herald‑Tribune also reports that numerous firearms and quantities of ammunition were recovered both at the Mondrian Court home and at that Sarasota apartment.
Public records reviewed by reporters show a 2025 school‑zone speeding citation and earlier arrests in 2014 and 2017. Court files list Novickis’ occupation as “retired” and show a prior address in West Chicago as recently as 2024.
Plea and next steps in court
On May 28, Novickis entered a written not‑guilty plea, according to court filings reviewed by WWSB. The filing, submitted by defense attorney Derek Byrd, waives formal arraignment and asks the court to schedule motion hearings and a trial date.
Prosecutors have not publicly disclosed a possible motive, and investigators say the case remains active. At this stage, the charges are allegations, and Novickis is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
What the charges mean under Florida law
Under Florida law, second‑degree murder applies to a killing carried out by an act “imminently dangerous to another and evincing a depraved mind,” as defined in Florida Statutes §782.04. A conviction on a second‑degree murder charge can carry a prison sentence of up to life.
Animal‑cruelty allegations are prosecuted under separate statutes and come with their own potential penalties if a defendant is found guilty.
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have information or relevant camera footage to contact detectives. Non‑emergency numbers and tip‑line information are listed in the agency’s news release, and officials say they expect to provide further updates as both the investigation and the court process move forward.
