Eden Prairie Man Charged With Murdering Pregnant Wife
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Hennepin County Attorney said the stabbing of a pregnant Eden Prairie mother was planned -- and the attack was so bad that he is speaking out about the charges.
Yeveginy Savenok is facing two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his wife, Lyuba Savenok, who was seven-months pregnant with their child.
Lyuba posted a video to her Facebook page eight days before she was killed, which shows a smiling Yeveginy with his two kids. She shared lots of happy photos on social media, but investigators say these were merely flashes.
"Mr. Savenok apparently is having a long period of time of domestic violence with his wife," County Hennepin Attorney Mike Freeman said.
Lyuba had an order of protection against him, and a charge of domestic violence.
"Apparently they were living together, and it's hard to enforce an order for protection when the people continue to live together," Freeman said.
Investigators said she was far from safe. Yeveginy showed up Saturday morning and put his kids in the car. The former college wrestler then tackled his wife as her sister ran for help.
"The horrible violence," Freeman said. "He walks in … he pulls out a knife and stabs her … numerous times and he stabs her in the chest and in the stomach knowing that she's carrying his baby."
Police found the young mom with 12 stab wounds. Doctors delivered her baby by C-section, but they both passed away. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner said homicide was the manner of death in both cases.
Freeman said Yeveginy tried to explain himself, showing up hours later at a St. Paul hospital with his two kids.
"He said things like, 'I knew that she was pregnant, I was trying to kill her, on my returning from Chicago, I decided I would kill her,'" Freeman said.
The county attorney shook his head when announcing the charges.
"It passes all understanding how one human being can be that way to another human being," Freeman said.
Freeman said they are going all out in the hope to make a statement on this case. He also said domestic violence is the most unreported crime, and help, he said, is out there.
Lyuba's family released this statement Tuesday:
"It's hard for us to once again hear the details of Lyuba's senseless murder. Her family, friends and loved ones feel deep sadness, loss and anger. It has been especially difficult to learn that her son survived for a small time after the doctors tried to save him. Lyuba was going to name him Ellis.
We are assured knowing that we live in a country where justice will be served and we are grateful that the children are both safe and cared for by Lyuba's parents. As the report states my sister Alisa (14) escaped the house as Lyuba was murdered so we are relieved to know that she is also safe. Currently the entire family is focused on celebrating Lyuba's life at her funeral and also caring for her two remaining children.
Lyuba was in a very difficult marriage and no stone will be left unturned as we look for answers. However at this time let's focus on celebrating her life, passions and coming together to set her children up for success."
Lyuba's family has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for her funeral and create a fund for her children.
Click here to visit Hennepin County's Domestic Abuse Service Center website.
