October 2, 2024

A Broward County teen has been charged as an adult with manslaughter in the May 23 beating death of her 79-year-old grandmother at their home in Lauderdale Lakes.

Prosecutors formally filed the manslaughter charge against Sofia Koval, 14, on Oct. 1 and she was moved from juvenile detention to the Broward County Jail where she will be held in protective custody.

During a magistrate court appearance this morning, a judge found probable cause for the charge and ordered her held without bond by agreement of the defense and prosecution.

The maximum possible penalty for the offense is up to 15 years in prison but it is also possible that because of her age, if convicted, she could be sentenced to juvenile sanctions in the juvenile justice system.

In the juvenile system, anyone found guilty and sentenced would have to be released after a maximum of three years and could only be kept under supervision in the community until age 21. Because she is not a U.S. citizen, she could be subject to deportation.

After considering all of the available facts, evidence, and circumstances, Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor and a panel of senior prosecutors decided the case should be transferred to adult court and that manslaughter was the appropriate charge.

State Attorney Harold F. Pryor said: “Because of the heinous nature of the crime and after considering everything presented by the defense so far, I believe it is appropriate that this case should be handled in adult court. We are considering all options and working closely with her attorneys at the Broward Public Defender’s Office to come up with an appropriate resolution that holds her accountable but also factors in her age and the circumstances of this offense.”

The Broward Sheriff’s Office investigated this case and made the arrest.

More details and court documents – including the state’s information or formal filing document – are available under case # 24010822CF10A on www.browardclerk.org

Contact: Paula McMahon, spokeswoman for the Broward State Attorney’s Office
mediarelations@sao17.state.fl.us or 954-831-7910
https://browardsao.com