A 14-year-old girl named Sofia Koval was accused of beating her grandmother to death in Florida. The incident occurred after Sofia’s phone was confiscated by her father, leading to a violent outburst that resulted in the tragic death of her grandmother, Yevheniia Koval, 79. Sofia was filmed praying in a Florida courtroom before facing a judge for the first time, showcasing the shocking nature of the crime.
The fatal beating took place on May 23 when Sofia was left alone with her grandmother at their condo in Lauderdale Lakes. The elderly victim’s body was discovered by her son, Vladimir Koval, who returned home to find his mother badly injured. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Yevheniia was pronounced dead, leading to Sofia’s arrest on second-degree murder charges.
Vladimir explained to authorities that Sofia had recently moved to the United States from Ukraine and had been displaying concerning behavior. He had confiscated her phone as a form of discipline, which allegedly triggered the violent assault on her grandmother. Sofia claimed she acted in self-defense after her grandmother scratched her, a statement that was met with skepticism by investigators.
Neighbors of the family were shocked by the incident, citing Sofia’s struggles due to her mother still being in Ukraine. They mentioned that Sofia had been going through a difficult time emotionally, which may have contributed to her violent behavior towards her grandmother. Despite the tragic circumstances, prosecutors have not yet decided whether Sofia will be charged as an adult for the crime.
The judge ordered Sofia to be held in secure detention until her next court hearing on June 12, indicating the seriousness of the charges brought against her. The case has garnered significant attention due to Sofia’s young age and the brutal nature of the crime, sparking debates about the appropriate legal consequences for juvenile offenders. The tragic death of Yevheniia Koval has left the community in shock, with many struggling to comprehend the circumstances that led to such a devastating loss of life.
