95-year-old woman charged with murder for killing nursing home roommate

In Brooklyn, New York, a shocking incident occurred in a nursing home where an 89-year-old resident was allegedly beaten to death by her 95-year-old roommate. The victim, Nina Kravtsov, was found lying in her bed, covered in blood, and later succumbed to her injuries early Monday morning due to blunt force trauma. The assailant, Galina Smirnova, is reported to be a dementia patient, raising questions about her mental state at the time of the incident. This tragic event unfolded at Seagate Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, where both women resided. Officials reported that police arrived at the scene on a Sunday evening and discovered Nina Kravtsov, who was critically injured, while Galina Smirnova was seen attempting to wash blood from her hands in a bathroom. A blood-stained foot pedal from a wheelchair was identified as the murder weapon. Kravtsov's family has expressed deep grief over the loss, particularly noting her survival of the Holocaust as a poignant aspect of her life. Lucia Flom, Kravtsov's daughter, flew in from Florida upon learning about the incident. She was heartbroken to learn of her mother's condition and shared her final words with her, hoping that Kravtsov could hear her despite being unresponsive. This incident has raised numerous questions regarding the safety protocols within the nursing home and how such violence could occur in a locked facility. In the aftermath, both Seagate Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and local authorities are under scrutiny. The nursing home has indicated that an investigation is ongoing, while the family of Nina Kravtsov seeks justice for her death. The legal proceedings are set in motion, with Smirnova charged with second-degree murder and awaiting trial as community members and advocates reflect on the inadequacies that allowed this tragedy to unfold.