A controlling abuser who stalked his former girlfriend using a tracker hidden in their young daughter's scooter and stabbed her to death has been jailed for at least 30 years.
The Attack
Yurii Muzyka, 34, was subject to a non-molestation order when he forced his way into Halyna Hoisan's flat in Greenwich, where she had been on a date with another man on August 27. He attacked the 29-year-old, stabbing her six times in the chest, despite the presence of their child, who was only days from her fourth birthday. He then took photos and filmed a selfie video next to Ms Hoisan as she lay dying.
History of Stalking
The Old Bailey heard how Ms Hoisan, known as Lina, had managed to move away from Muzyka following what was described as a 'turbulent' relationship lasting several years. But he continued to stalk and harass her. Lina had reported him to the police for violence, harassment and stalking, and he, in turn, had made counter-allegations against her, jurors were told.
After moving to Greenwich to get away from him, Lina found a tracker device in her daughter's scooter after Muzyka told her he knew which park she went to. She handed the device into the police and also reported that he had come to her home and stolen her phone.
Last August, Muzyka had called her Ukrainian mother, Svitlana, in Poland and threatened to kill Lina. She had secured the non-molestation order just seven days before she was murdered.
Premeditated Murder
The Met Police said Muzyka 'became fixated with attacking her' in that short period. On the day of the killing, Muzyka bought a knife and recorded a number of videos on his phone in which he told his mother he 'just can't bear it' and accused his ex-partner of 'sleeping around'.
The court heard how Ms Hoisan had just begun a new relationship and was on a second date with a man when Muzyka burst into her home and attacked her with a knife. He had paid £34.99 for it just hours earlier and the box was found on his table next to a copy of the non-molestation order. CCTV showed he left home to launch the fatal attack 'almost immediately' after Lina and her date arrived at her flat, suggesting he had been monitoring her movements still.
The pattern of stab wounds he went on to inflict 'showed evidence of his research as they were calculated to cause the most damage', police said. On his arrest two days later, he told officer as if he was somehow a victim: 'I can't believe my partner have sex with another boy.'
Investigators found information on his mobile phone showing he had become fixated with spyware, masks, knives and human anatomy. He had searched these topics repeatedly and had 10 images of spyware, 44 of masks, 186 of the chest and heart and 261 knives.
Sentencing
Muzyka had denied murder and claimed he lost control, which was rejected by a jury. Sentencing on Friday, Judge Simon Mayo KC said it was a 'planned and sustained' attack on a 'much-loved' mother in her own home. He told Muzyka: 'You stabbed her six times to the chest using a knife that you had purchased less than six hours earlier. Shortly beforehand, you conducted internet searches directed at identifying the most vulnerable areas of the human body, including the chest. I am sure you intended to kill her. In killing Halyna, you robbed her young daughter of her mother just days before her fourth birthday. You knew your child would be present in the flat when you arrived. That knowledge did not deter you. That is a matter of particular gravity. I am sure your actions were driven by jealousy, resentment and determination to exert control over Halyna even after your relationship had come to an end.'
During the sentencing hearing, Ms Hoisan's mother, Svitlana, became angry and tearful as she addressed Muzyka in Ukrainian in court. In her victim impact statement, she said: 'The death of my daughter has had a profound impact on me. I cannot comprehend how one person can do something like this to another human being. I still cannot believe she is gone. I constantly think how much she suffered and the fear she must have experienced before her death.'
Muzyka hung his head in the dock and appeared to wipe away tears.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Franklin said: 'Halyna's murder was an appalling act of cruelty. Muzyka robbed a child of her devoted mother and parents of a loving daughter. Detectives worked tirelessly to bring Muzyka to justice and the successful conviction highlights the Met's commitment to bringing dangerous men to justice and tackling violence against women and girls.'
