Robert Thomas Latopolski, a 57-year-old resident of Saint Cloud, Florida, tragically passed away on January 20, 2019. Born on October 3, 1961, in Port Jefferson, New York, Robert worked as an air conditioning and heating technician for the Osceola County School District. He was known for his dedication to his work and his family. His sudden death left a significant void in the lives of his loved ones, including his son, siblings, and stepchildren.
On the afternoon of January 20, 2019, Robert Latopolski and his girlfriend were involved in a double shooting outside his home on Cross Creek Court in Saint Cloud. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots around 3:30 p.m. and immediately called 911. When officers arrived, they found Robert unresponsive near the house, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. His girlfriend, who had been shot in the arm, was found in the driveway and was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
The investigation quickly identified the suspect as Rafael Antonio Perdomo Primera, the estranged husband of Robert's girlfriend. Perdomo Primera, 49 years old, had separated from his wife in November 2018. On the day of the shooting, he allegedly drove to Robert's home and opened fire on the couple. After the incident, Perdomo Primera fled the scene in a green car. The police launched a manhunt for him, warning the public that he was armed and dangerous.
Two days later, on January 22, 2019, St. Cloud police detectives tracked Perdomo Primera to a residence in Kissimmee. As they approached the house, they heard a gunshot from inside. The SWAT team was called in, and upon entering the home, they found Perdomo Primera deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The authorities confirmed that he had committed suicide, bringing an end to the manhunt and providing some closure to the families involved.
The case of Robert Latopolski's death was a tragic instance of domestic violence that escalated to fatal consequences. The investigation revealed the complexities of relationships and the devastating impact of unresolved conflicts. While the immediate threat was neutralized with the death of Perdomo Primera, the emotional scars left on the survivors and the community of Saint Cloud remain profound. The incident underscored the importance of addressing domestic issues before they escalate and highlighted the need for support systems for those affected by such violence.
