LAUDERDALE LAKES, FL – A harrowing incident has unfolded in a quiet Florida community, where a 14-year-old girl from Ukraine finds herself at the center of a legal storm. Sofia Koval has been charged with manslaughter following the death of her grandmother, Yevheniia Koval, 80, in a case that has raised numerous questions about youth, trauma, and justice.
The Broward State Attorney’s Office confirmed that Sofia is being held without bond at the Broward County Jail after a judge determined there was enough evidence to proceed with the case. Prosecutors argue that the severity of the crime warrants the case being tried in adult court, despite Sofia’s young age. However, they acknowledge the necessity of weighing her age and the context of the alleged crime.
The incident came to light on May 23, when Broward County Sheriff’s deputies were called to investigate a death at a condominium in Lauderdale Lakes. The grim discovery was made by the victim’s son, who lived with both the deceased and Sofia. He found his mother unresponsive on the living room floor upon returning home late at night. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Yevheniia succumbed to her injuries.
An autopsy revealed that Yevheniia had suffered multiple abrasions and bruises, with significant internal injuries, including brain hemorrhaging. The investigation revealed that Sofia had recently moved to the United States from Ukraine, bringing with her the scars of witnessing conflict and separation from her mother. These factors were noted to have impacted her behavior significantly.
On the night of the incident, the victim’s son had left the home, leaving his daughter and mother alone. When he returned, he was confronted with a tragic scene. Sofia later told her father that she acted in self-defense after her grandmother scratched her, admitting to striking her grandmother with a belt.
The authorities discovered a broken wheel on the victim’s walker, alongside a belt, suggesting that the walker might have been used during the attack. When questioned further, Sofia reportedly indicated through a Ukrainian translator that she had assisted her grandmother in dying, a statement that alarmed investigators and led to concerns about her mental state.
Sofia’s behavior in custody raised additional red flags, with reports of agitation and aggression, possibly indicative of a psychotic episode. She was subsequently transferred to a hospital for a behavioral health evaluation. The legal proceedings could result in a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, but given her age, there is potential for juvenile sanctions if convicted.