by Bradenton, Florida — A 75-year-old Florida man has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the disappearance of a 24-year-old woman who has not been seen since September 2024.
According to the Bradenton Police Department, Ronald Chester Racki was arrested on Feb. 20, 2026, by the Venice Police Department in connection with the case of Laikyn Marie West, who was reported missing in 2024.
Investigators allege there is probable cause to believe West is deceased, though her body has not been recovered.
Missing Since September 2024
West, a Bradenton resident, was last seen alive on Sept. 13, 2024, and reported missing three days later by her roommate.
According to a probable cause affidavit, phone records indicated that Racki was the last known person to speak with West on the morning she disappeared. Authorities said the two spoke by phone between 7:39 a.m. and 8:15 a.m.
Racki allegedly told investigators he picked West up from her home and later dropped her off back in Bradenton. However, detectives reported no witnesses confirmed seeing her at the alleged drop-off location, and license plate readers did not show his vehicles in that area.
The investigation expanded into a joint task force that included the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Evidence Found on Phone
Authorities executed a court-authorized warrant to search Racki’s phone in December 2024.
Investigators said they discovered photographs allegedly showing West bound inside Racki’s office the night she vanished. Metadata indicated one image was taken at 9:59 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2024 — the same night she was last seen.
Detectives also reported discovering internet searches related to violent adult content.
The photos, metadata timing, and the complete cessation of West’s phone activity were cited as key elements in establishing probable cause.
Alleged Statement to Nurse
In December 2024, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office responded to what authorities described as a suicide attempt by Racki. He was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
Medical records later obtained through a warrant reportedly included a nurse’s note stating Racki allegedly said, “I killed four women six weeks ago.”
Investigators emphasized that no evidence has been found to support additional victims.
Racki allegedly denied killing West during interviews and offered alternative explanations for her disappearance.
Vehicle and Additional Findings
Authorities said a Venice car detailer reported deep-cleaning Racki’s blue pickup truck around the time West disappeared, noting a suspicious stain and unusual odor. Police said Racki paid for the service in cash.
Despite extensive searches and follow-up interviews conducted over more than a year, West’s body has not been located as of Feb. 23, 2026.
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Investigators stated in the affidavit there is “no evidence to establish that West is alive or voluntarily absent.”
Court Proceedings Ahead
Racki remains held without bond in the Sarasota County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on March 20, according to jail records.
Officials said the case required extensive coordination with the State Attorney’s Office due to the absence of a recovered body before charges were filed.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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