Overview

• Galina Smirnova, 95, was arraigned on second-degree murder and weapon possession charges and was remanded to Rikers Island without bail.
• Victim Nina Kravtsov, 89, a Ukrainian-born Holocaust survivor, died of blunt force trauma, according to the medical examiner.
• A wheelchair foot pedal was found covered in blood in the room, with another pedal recovered outside under a window, investigators said.
• Video review showed no one else entered or left the shared room between welfare checks, and staff reported finding Smirnova washing blood from her hands.
• The victim’s family plans civil action against the Seagate facility, with their attorney alleging improper roommate placement and raising concerns about dementia care and supervision.