A 14-year-old girl from Ukraine, Sofia Koval, has been charged with manslaughter in the death of her 80-year-old grandmother, Yevheniia Koval, in Florida. The elderly woman was allegedly assaulted with a belt and walker in her condo. The Broward State Attorney’s Office announced that Sofia Koval is being held without bond in the Broward County Jail after a judge found probable cause for her arrest.
Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor stated that due to the severity of the crime, the case should be tried in adult court. However, he also acknowledged the need to consider the girl’s age and the circumstances surrounding the offense. The Broward Public Defender’s Office is working closely with the prosecution to reach a suitable resolution.
The case was brought to light when Broward County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a death investigation at a Lauderdale Lakes condo on May 23. The victim’s son, who lived with his mother and daughter, found his mother unresponsive on the living room floor. The elderly woman was taken to a hospital where she later died. 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 moved to the U.S. from Ukraine and was experiencing behavioral issues. 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 called 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 admitted to hitting her grandmother multiple times with a belt and expressed remorse for her actions. Authorities found a broken wheel on the victim’s walker and a belt near her body, leading them to believe 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.