VENICE, FL – A 75-year-old used car dealership owner has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the disappearance and presumed death of a 24-year-old woman, more than 17 months after she was last seen alive.
Ronald Chester Racki was taken into custody Friday morning and is being held without bond at the Sarasota County Jail in the death of Laikyn Marie West, according to Venice police officials who announced the arrest at a press conference.
West was reported missing in September 2024 by her Bradenton roommate after she had not been seen for three days. Police determined that Racki was the last person to have contact with West, speaking with her by phone around 8 a.m. on September 13, 2024.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Racki admitted to investigators that he would pay West for sexual favors. He picked her up that day and they traveled to Venice for lunch, but investigators found no evidence that he ever dropped her off afterward.
The investigation revealed disturbing details about their relationship. Police discovered journal entries written by West indicating that Racki had paid her more than $900 to use chloroform on her during sexual encounters. While Racki claimed he “never really chloroformed her,” he acknowledged using the cleaning product at his used car dealership located in the 500 block of Spur Street.
A search warrant executed on Racki’s phone uncovered what police described as disturbing images, including photographs of a nude West who appeared to be bound with handcuffs and cable ties. One of the photographs was reportedly taken around 10 p.m. on the day West disappeared. Investigators also found violent pornography on the device.
The case took a significant turn in December 2024 when Racki attempted suicide, approximately two weeks after being interviewed by police about West’s disappearance. While hospitalized, he allegedly told a nurse “I killed four women six weeks ago,” though detectives have found no credible evidence to support claims of additional victims.
Additional evidence emerged from a car detailer who had worked on one of Racki’s vehicles. The worker reported noticing a suspicious stain on the rear floor and detecting an unusual odor, according to the affidavit.
Venice Police Chief Andy Leisenring emphasized the thorough nature of the investigation, stating, “After months of careful and coordinated investigative work, the evidence developed in this case supports this arrest and charge. We remain committed to seeking justice for Laikyn West and to bringing answers to her family.”
Racki’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 20. Police continue their efforts to locate West’s body. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to bring closure to the victim’s family and ensure accountability in the case.
