Questions surround Golden Gate Estates murder, suspect’s connection to the victim

Reporter: Rachel Cox-Rosen Writer: Matthew Seaver
Published: Updated:
Racine Rafael, 71. (Credit: Collier County Sheriff’s Office)

The man accused of killing a woman in her 70s is now back in Collier County to face charges while investigators scour the crime scene.

Racine Rafael was arrested in Glades County after the violent murder at a home on 8th Avenue Southeast in Golden Gate Estates.

There was still a lot of activity Monday at the scene. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office served another warrant at the home, but they wouldn’t say what they were looking for.

They’ve also been tight-lipped about their suspect.

Rafael is 71 years old and charged with murder. Collier County deputies say he murdered someone at a home in Golden Gate Estates.

According to his booking sheet from Glades County, Rafael also lived in the home, but the sheriff’s office won’t tell us his relationship with the victim.

A cousin told WINK News Friday the victim was a woman in her 70s named Lisa Beaubrun.

“It’s tough for the family, too, because I spoke with Lisa about two weeks ago. We were laughing and talking about things about life. And Lisa is a very hardworking woman,” said Jean Beaubrun, the victim’s cousin. “It’s, it is horrible. It’s…I’m still in shock.”

Now Beaubrun wants answers. Detectives say they’re trying to find them. Crime scene investigators scoured the property Monday, putting up new crime scene tape, taking measurements, bringing in equipment, and capturing photos, all to piece together this crime.

Meanwhile, Rafael is behind bars at the Naples Jail Center. He goes before a judge Tuesday.

There are still a lot more questions than answers. Detectives were taking photos of a Nissan in the home’s driveway Monday and spent a lot of time walking through the yard.

We also don’t know the circumstances of Rafael’s arrest in Glades County.

WINK News will continue to ask questions and find the answers.

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