A man described as “dangerous” has been sentenced to life in prison for fatally stabbing his former partner, whom he had been stalking using a tracker concealed in their young daughter’s scooter.
Yurii Muzyka, aged 34, breached a non-molestation order when he forcibly entered the residence of 29-year-old Halyna Hoisan in Greenwich, London, on August 27. Despite the presence of their three-year-old daughter, Muzyka viciously stabbed Hoisan six times in the chest. He proceeded to photograph her as she lay dying before turning the knife on himself when a man she was on a date with informed the authorities.
After a trial at the Old Bailey, Muzyka, a Ukrainian national residing in New Malden, south London, was convicted of murder and possession of a blade. The judge, Simon Mayo KC, sentenced him to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 30 years, characterizing the assault as a premeditated and relentless attack on a cherished mother within her own home.
Judge Mayo addressed Muzyka directly, emphasizing the brutality of the attack, stating that the defendant had bought the murder weapon shortly before the incident and conducted online searches targeting vulnerable areas of the human body. The judge expressed certainty that Muzyka’s motive was rooted in jealousy, resentment, and a desire to maintain power over Hoisan post-relationship.
During the sentencing, it was revealed that Muzyka had entered Hoisan’s home armed with a knife and metal chisel through deceptive means. The judge criticized Muzyka’s act of taking photos of the victim in her last moments as degrading and intrusive, causing immeasurable anguish to her family.
The court learned that Hoisan, also known as Lina, had endured a tumultuous relationship with Muzyka, prompting her to report incidents of violence, harassment, and stalking to the authorities. Despite efforts to escape him by relocating to Greenwich, Muzyka’s persistent surveillance tactics, including threats and theft, continued to torment her.
Leading up to the fatal encounter, Muzyka exhibited escalating behavior, including purchasing a knife and recording distressing videos blaming Hoisan for his emotional turmoil. The court heard that Hoisan was exploring a new relationship when Muzyka violently intruded and attacked her.
Following the murder, Muzyka underwent surgery for his self-inflicted injuries and later confessed to the killing, citing jealousy as a motive. Detectives uncovered disturbing evidence on his phone, indicating an obsession with spyware, masks, knives, and human anatomy. Despite his claims of losing control, the jury rejected his defense.
Addressing the court during the sentencing, Hoisan’s mother expressed profound grief over the loss of her daughter and the trauma inflicted on their family. Muzyka, visibly distraught, listened to the emotional statements in court.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Franklin of Scotland Yard condemned the heinous crime, highlighting the devastating impact of Muzyka’s actions on the victim’s loved ones. He praised the diligent efforts of investigators in securing justice and reaffirmed the Metropolitan Police’s commitment to combatting violence against women and girls.
