Florida Teen, 14, Allegedly Killed Grandmother with Walker and Belt, Claimed She “Was Already Dying”

A harrowing case out of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, has shocked the community after a 14‑year‑old girl, Sofia Koval, allegedly beat her 79‑year‑old grandmother, Yevheniia Koval, to death using a belt and the victim’s walker on May 23, 2024. Authorities say the teen later rationalized the attack by stating her grandmother “was already dying”.

Around 12:30 a.m. on May 23, deputies were called to the Pearl Condominiums on Northwest 41st Street, where they found Yevheniia unresponsive on the living room floor. The Broward County Medical Examiner later determined her death was a homicide, revealing extensive bruising, head trauma, internal bleeding, and contusions across her body.

Investigators recovered the grandmother’s walker, believed to have a broken wheel, and a belt near the body—both suspected to be weapons used in the fatal beating.

Sofia’s father, who had taken her phone away before the incident, returned home from visiting a friend to find his mother dead and his daughter visibly distressed. According to police, Sofia initially claimed self‑defense, alleging her grandmother had scratched her and that she responded by uncontrollably beating the elder woman with the belt.

After being taken into custody, she reportedly said through a Ukrainian translator that the grandmother “was already dying and that she helped her die”. This chilling statement suggests a deliberate intent to hasten death.

Given the brutal circumstances and Sofia’s disturbing admission, prosecutors decided to charge her with manslaughter as an adult. Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor stated that “because of the heinous nature of the crime,” it was appropriate that the case be handled in adult court. Sofia is being held without bond at Broward County Jail, under protective custody, following a judge’s determination of probable cause.

The teen, a Ukrainian immigrant who recently moved to Florida, had reportedly been experiencing behavioral issues linked to trauma from the war in Ukraine and being separated from her mother. Authorities noted signs of heightened agitation, aggression, and possible psychotic episodes, prompting her to be Baker Acted and evaluated in a mental health facility. Eyewitnesses in police reports described her as “very agitated,” with erratic behavior even during transport, including striking the vehicle partition and confessing repeatedly to the crime.

Sofia faces a maximum 15-year prison sentence for adult manslaughter. However, Florida law permits sentencing under juvenile guidelines—meaning she could receive up to three years in a juvenile facility followed by supervision until age 21. As she is not a U.S. citizen, deportation could follow her sentence.

The brutal nature of the killing, combined with Sofia’s youth and claimed motive, has rocked the local community. Neighbors and family members expressed disbelief at such violent behavior emanating from a young teenager. The teen’s father has shared concerns over her mental health, citing the trauma she experienced due to relocation and family stress.

Investigators are continuing to examine the household dynamics and whether further mental health or child welfare interventions were previously warranted.

This case shines a light on tragic intersections of trauma, mental health, and family violence. Experts emphasize the importance of early mental health assessment—particularly in children relocated from conflict zones—and ensuring vulnerable youth receive appropriate support before situations escalate.

Moreover, the legal dilemma—trial as a juvenile versus adult—mirrors a national debate on how best to balance accountability, rehabilitation, and public safety when severe crimes involve minors.

The death of Yevheniia Koval is a case steeped in horror, compassion, and moral complexity. As the justice process unfolds, the focus must remain on justice for the victim, mental health care for the accused, and lessons for communities and policymakers in preventing similarly tragic outcomes in the future.