Lauderdale Lakes, Florida – A seemingly ordinary night took a tragic turn when a Florida man made a horrifying discovery upon returning to his home. His 79-year-old mother, Yenia Koval, was found dead, and his 14-year-old daughter, Sophia Koval, is the prime suspect in the case.
Sophia has been charged with second-degree murder and is currently being held in secure detention in Broward County. The incident unfolded when the girl’s father went to visit a friend, leaving Sophia at home with her grandmother. Upon his return, he found his mother with multiple bruises on her body.
Sophia Koval in court
Despite being rushed to the hospital, Yenia tragically succumbed to her injuries. An autopsy confirmed the death as a homicide, though the specific cause remains undisclosed.
Details Emerge from Redacted Affidavit
While the investigation is ongoing, a heavily redacted affidavit reveals crucial details about the night of the incident. The father, identified as the 911 caller, told investigators that Sophia had recently moved from Ukraine eight months prior and had been exhibiting behavioral issues, which he attributed to the ongoing war and separation from her mother.
Judge Elizabeth Scherer
As a disciplinary measure, the father confiscated Sophia’s cell phone earlier that day. The affidavit further states that when confronted by her father about her grandmother’s injuries, Sophia claimed self-defense, alleging that her grandmother had scratched her. However, there were no visible injuries on Sophia besides a self-inflicted wound on her hand.
Confession and Potential Legal Implications
Adding to the complexity of the case, the affidavit suggests that Sophia confessed to her father, though the specifics of her confession are redacted. Furthermore, it’s alleged that she made another confession while being transported in a patrol car, which was captured on a body camera.
The case has raised questions about the legal proceedings for a minor charged with such a serious crime. Retired Judge Elizabeth Scherer, who previously served in the 17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, handling Broward County cases, offered her perspective on the matter.
She highlighted the differences between juvenile and adult court, emphasizing the focus on rehabilitation in juvenile court versus the emphasis on punishment and community safety in adult court. Given the severity of the charges, Judge Scherer believes it’s highly likely that Sophia will be tried as an adult.
What’s Next in the Case?
Sophia’s legal team could potentially argue that her alleged actions were influenced by her experiences in war-torn Ukraine, but Judge Scherer believes this would likely be presented as a mitigating factor during sentencing rather than a defense against the murder charge.
The case has sent shockwaves through the community, with neighbors expressing disbelief and horror at the allegations against the young girl. Sophia remains in custody, and her next hearing is scheduled for June 12th, where the decision will be made regarding whether she will face charges as an adult.
