Broward prosecutors are still not ready to say whether they expect to charge a 14-year-old girl as an adult after she allegedly beat and murdered her 79-year-old grandmother in Lauderdale Lakes.
Yevheniia Koval, 79, was found unresponsive by her son shortly after midnight on May 23.
Her granddaughter was in court Wednesday, dressed in a blue jail jumpsuit, her long, dirty blonde hair falling over her shoulders. A Ukranian interpreter translated statements by the judge and lawyers.
Also in attendance were the girl’s parents. Her father appeared in person, while her mother was in Ukraine watching via Zoom. Neither spoke during the hearing, and the girl’s father left the courtroom without commenting.
The girl has been receiving mental health treatment while in custody, lawyers said. The Broward Public Defender’s Office, which is representing her, agreed to keep her in custody to receive treatment at least until July 5, said prosecutor Gloria Moschella. By then the state should have a decision on whether the girl will face second-degree murder charges as a child or as an adult.
Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4457.