Ukrainian pianist's wife sought mental treatment before killings
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 23 March 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Ukrainian pianist's wife sought mental treatment before killings, 23 March 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5768ff876.html [accessed 4 November 2019] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
March 23, 2016
The estranged wife of renowned Ukrainian pianist Vadym Kholodenko sought mental treatment the day before she allegedly killed their two daughters in their Texas home, police said on March 22.
Sofya Tsygankova is accused of capital murder in the deaths of 5-year-old Nika Kholodenko and 1-year-old Michela Kholodenko.
Vadym Kholodenko found the two girls dead on March 17, with Tsygankova wearing a blood-stained nightgown and kneeling on the floor "rocking back and forth," according to the arrest warrant. She had wounds on her wrist and chest, and a butcher knife was found nearby.
An empty bottle labeled with the antipsychotic drug Quetiapine was found on the kitchen counter, police said.
Authorities said Tsygankova, who is divorcing Kholodenko, visited a mental health facility the day before the murders.
Tsygankova told police she remembered putting her children to sleep and taking pills, and believed she hurt herself with a knife. But she asked the officers if she had done "anything bad" to the girls.
Tsygankova was booked on March 22 into the Tarrant County jail.
Based on reporting by AP and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
