Memorial For Daughters Allegedly Slain By Mom In Benbrook
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FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — A memorial service will be held in North Texas tonight for the two slain daughters of a renowned concert pianist as their mother faces charges of killing the girls.
The Van Cliburn, award-winning pianist discovered the bodies of his girls, 5-year-old Nika and 1-year-old Michela, last Thursday at the Benbrook home that the children shared with their mother, Sofya Tsygankova. The 31-year-old woman has been charged with two counts of capital murder.
"We have probable cause, reason to believe, she committed these homicides," explained Benbrook police Commander David Babcock.
The victims were laid to rest Monday.
An official with Robertson Mueller Harper Funeral Home says Kholodenko attended the private committal service at a Fort Worth cemetery. Trey Harper declined to say where the children were buried.
The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, where Kholodenko is an Artistic Partner, has started a fund in hte name of the slain children. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions be made to the Nika and Michaela Kholodenko Young Artist Fund.
Anyone wanting to contribute can send a check or money order to:
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
c/o Development Office
330 E. 4th Street, Suite 200
Fort Worth, Texas 76102 (please reference the Kholodenko Fund in the memo line.)
Donations can also be made by calling the FWSO Development Office at 817-655-6500 or by logging on to the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra webpage.
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