It was supposed to be a fresh start. A 14-year-old girl, a new life in America, a chance to rebuild. But on May 23, 2024, that fresh start turned into a horrific crime scene in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. 79-year-old Yevheniia Koval was found beaten and unresponsive in her home. She was rushed to the hospital, but it was too late—her injuries were fatal.
But here’s where the story takes a disturbing turn. The suspect? Her own granddaughter—14-year-old Sofia Koval. Sofia had recently moved from Ukraine to live with her father and grandmother. That night, she was left alone with Yevheniia. When her father returned home, he found a nightmare—his mother, severely beaten.
Sofia claimed self-defense, saying she and Yevheniia got into an argument, and she struck her with a belt and possibly even a walker. But the medical examiner wasn’t buying it—the injuries were too severe. The case was ruled a homicide.
Originally charged with second-degree murder, Sofia’s case was later moved to adult court, where she faced a manslaughter charge. In October 2024, she pleaded no contest and was sentenced to up to three years in a maximum-risk juvenile detention program, followed by community supervision until she turns 21. And there’s one more twist—since she’s not a U.S. citizen, she could be deported back to Ukraine once her sentence is up.
This case is a chilling reminder of how family conflict can spiral into something unimaginable—and how one night can change everything.
