A 14-year-old Ukrainian girl, Sofia Koval, is facing manslaughter charges in Florida following the death of her 80-year-old grandmother, Yevheniia Koval. The elderly woman was reportedly attacked with a belt and a walker in her condominium. The Broward State Attorney’s Office has confirmed that Sofia Koval is currently detained without bail in the Broward County Jail after a judge found probable cause for her arrest.
Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor has suggested that due to the seriousness of the crime, the case should be heard in an adult court. However, he also recognized the importance of considering the girl’s age and the circumstances surrounding the crime. The Broward Public Defender’s Office is collaborating with the prosecution to find an appropriate resolution.
The case came to light when Broward County Sheriff’s deputies were called to a death investigation at a Lauderdale Lakes condominium on May 23. The victim’s son, who lived with his mother and daughter, discovered his mother unresponsive on the living room floor. The elderly woman was rushed to a hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. An autopsy revealed multiple abrasions, bruises, and hemorrhaging on her body, as well as contusions and bleeding in her brain.
The son informed investigators that his daughter had recently relocated to the U.S. from Ukraine and was dealing with behavioral problems. He attributed these issues to the trauma of witnessing war in Ukraine and being separated from her mother. On the night of the incident, he had left the home at 7 p.m., leaving his daughter and mother alone. Upon his return at 12:30 a.m., he found his mother unresponsive and immediately contacted the authorities.
When questioned about the incident, Sofia Koval reportedly told her father that she had to defend herself after her grandmother scratched her. She confessed to striking her grandmother multiple times with a belt and expressed regret for her actions. Authorities found a broken wheel on the victim’s walker and a belt near her body, suggesting that the walker may have been used in the assault.
While in custody, Sofia Koval allegedly stated through a Ukrainian translator that she had helped her dying grandmother to die. Authorities noted that the teenager appeared agitated and aggressive, possibly experiencing a psychotic episode. She was also not eating or sleeping. Due to her statements and behavior, she was taken to a hospital for a behavioral health evaluation.
The maximum penalty for the offense is up to 15 years in prison. However, due to her age, Sofia Koval could be sentenced to juvenile sanctions in the juvenile justice system if convicted.