Lyuba Savenok, a 23-year-old mother of two, has been slain – and her husband charged with her murder and that of her unborn child.
Yevgeniy “Eugene” Savenok, 30, is now facing a life sentence if convicted in the gruesome stabbing death of his wife and their son.
The baby died minutes after being delivered in an emergency C-section, according to the criminal complaint obtained by multiple sources.
This shocking tragedy occurred in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
Police were called to a domestic disturbance at the couple’s home on Saturday morning, where they found Lyuba lying on the floor.
She was suffering from stab wounds to her chest, shoulder and neck, with a knife sticking out of her chest.
Lyuba, who was 26 weeks pregnant, died at the hospital, where an emergency C-section was performed in attempt to save her unborn child.
The little boy lived for several minutes before he died.
Her younger sister, Alisa Katane, was present in the couple’s home when Yevgeniy allegedly grabbed a kitchen knife and attacked her.
He put his wife in a headlock and held it the weapon to her wife’s throat, according to the criminal complaint; Alisa raced to call 911.
The teen told police that Yevgeniy put the pair’s two kids, Matthew, 4, and Vivienne, 3, in a car and fled, leaving his dying wife inside.
As Lyuba’s accused murderer remains in jail ahead of a court hearing on Wednesday, her family has issued a statement to the media.
The Katane family’s remarks are as follows:
“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.”
Her brother Aleksandr Katane continued:
“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.”