Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Robbery/Homicide Unit

Cara A. Ryan (Arrested)
DOB: 10/01/1969
Address: 2601 1^st Street, Unit A, Indian Rocks Beach
Charges: One Count 2^nd Degree Murder

John Joseph Rush (Deceased)
DOB: 2/4/1970
Address: 2601 1^st Street, Unit A, Indian Rocks Beach

What:
Detectives have arrested an Indian Rocks Beach woman after she shot and killed her ex-husband.

Where:
The shooting took place at the suspect’s private residence located at 2601 1^st Street, Unit A, Indian Rocks Beach.

When:
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:17 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2015.

How/Why:

Detectives have arrested an Indian Rocks Beach woman after she shot and killed her ex-husband.

Deputies responded to 2601 1^st Street, Unit A, Indian Rocks Beach in reference to a shooting on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at approximately 10:17 p.m.

During the investigation it was determined that the suspect, Cara Ryan, shot the victim, John Joseph Rush. After Rush was shot he proceeded to leave the residence and make his way to a neighbor’s home, where 911 was called. Rush was pronounced deceased at the scene.

During detective interviews, Ryan’s initial statement advised detectives that she invited Rush over to her home via text message. She advised while he was in her home she received a text from another male which upset Rush. She advised he then sexually assaulted her and she shot Rush out of self-defense.

Throughout the course of the investigation, Ryan continued to make conflicting statements and it was determined that her statements and physical evidence did not coincide.

Detectives continued their investigation and through various investigative techniques probable cause was developed for her arrest. 

Detectives arrested Ryan on Friday, March 13, 2015 and she was charged with one count of 2^nd Degree murder.

Ryan was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without further incident.

The investigation continues.

Ryan’s booking photo will be available once the booking process is complete.