Sofia Koval prays in court while facing charges for killing grandma
Sofia Koval, a 14-year-old girl from Florida, was filmed praying frantically in a Broward County courtroom. This was before facing a judge on charges of second-degree murder. Allegedly, she is responsible for the fatal beating of her 79-year-old grandmother, Yevheniia Koval. The incident occurred on May 23, after Yevheniia reportedly confiscated her granddaughter’s phone.
The Fatal Altercation
The fatal altercation took place at Yevheniia’s condo in Lauderdale Lakes. Authorities say Koval was left home alone with her grandmother when the situation escalated. Thus, leading to a brutal attack. The girl’s father, Vladimir Koval, discovered his mother severely beaten upon returning home just after midnight. As a result, he immediately sought medical help. Despite efforts by emergency responders, Yevheniia was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office stated that Sofia Koval was taken into custody after a medical examiner confirmed that the death was a homicide. In court, video captured by Local10 shows Sofia with a solemn expression. In addition, praying and looking up to the sky before her initial appearance. Thus, highlighting the stark contrast between her demeanor and the charges she faces.
Koval’s Life Since Moving to the US
The affidavit, though heavily redacted, reveals that Koval had recently moved to the United States from Ukraine. She was reportedly struggling due to her mother remaining abroad. Vladimir Koval told investigators that his daughter had been acting out and that he had taken her phone away earlier that day. Sofia allegedly claimed self-defense, saying that her grandmother had scratched her. As a result, prompting the fatal response.
Neighbors described Sofia as a troubled teen coping with significant emotional stress from her separation from her mother.
“It’s something out of character,” said one neighbor. “She’s been going through a lot because she wants her mom … She can’t get over here.”
Prosecutors are still determining whether to charge Koval as an adult, a decision that will have major implications for her future. For now, she remains in custody, awaiting the next steps in her case.
Source: NY Post
