A shocking incident occurred in Brooklyn, New York City, where a 95-year-old woman fatally attacked her 89-year-old roommate in a nursing facility. The event took place at the Haimen Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, a long-term care institution on Coney Island providing rehabilitation, long-term care, and dementia support.
The Victim’s Background
The victim, Nina Kravtsov, was 89 years old. Born in Ukraine, she survived the Nazi occupation as a child while most of her family perished. Later, she became a nurse and emigrated to the United States with her daughter. In 2020, she moved into the nursing home following a mild stroke and had been living there comfortably.
Arrival of the New Roommate
On September 12, the facility assigned a new roommate: 95-year-old Galina Smonova. Public information about Galina is limited; aside from her age, mobility status, and cognitive impairment, little is known about her family, occupation, or immigration history. The nursing home paired the two residents primarily because both spoke Russian. 
The Fatal Night
Just 48 hours later, a tragic event unfolded. On September 14 at 8:55 PM, a caregiver found Nina sleeping peacefully during a routine check. An hour later, the caregiver returned and discovered a disturbing scene: Nina had suffered severe injuries in her room. Blood was present, and Nina was found incapacitated beside her bed.
Parts of a wheelchair, previously used by Galina, were involved in the assault. Galina herself was seen in the room trying to clean her hands at the sink, wearing her hospital gown. Emergency services were called at 10:27 PM, and Nina was rushed to NYU Langone Hospital but was pronounced dead early the next morning.
Family Reaction
Nina’s daughter said:
“The doctors told me she would not respond, but they believed she could hear me, so I told her I loved her. It’s hard to accept her passing in such a manner—it’s like something out of a horror story.”
Investigation and Arrest
Video surveillance confirmed no one else entered the room during the critical hour, pointing to Galina as the assailant. Two days later, she was arrested on charges of second-degree murder and illegal possession of a weapon, making her the oldest person in New York City history to face murder charges.
Understanding Dementia and Cognitive Impairment
Experts note that Galina’s dementia could have contributed to the incident. Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, can damage the prefrontal cortex, which governs impulse control, aggression suppression, and rational decision-making. Cognitive impairment may cause patients to misinterpret situations, see threats where none exist, and react defensively, sometimes violently.
Court Proceedings
On September 17, Galina appeared in Brooklyn Criminal Court. She was disruptive, shouting in Russian and interrupting the proceedings, and had to be removed temporarily by court officers. Authorities initially suspected an argument, but later concluded the fatal attack likely resulted from an impulsive act influenced by cognitive disorders.
Legal Outcome and Ongoing Concerns
Even if the attack was not intentional, Galina posed a danger. The judge denied bail and ordered her to be transferred to a secured medical facility for psychiatric evaluation. This case highlights the challenges in managing elderly residents with severe cognitive impairments in long-term care facilities
