Yurii Muzyka Jailed 30 Years for Ex-Partner Halyna Hoisan's Greenwich Murder
Yurii Muzyka, a Ukrainian national, has been sentenced to at least 30 years in prison for the murder of his ex-partner, Halyna Hoisan. The 34-year-old was convicted after tracking Ms Hoisan, 29, to her flat in Greenwich, south London, using a device hidden in their young daughter's scooter.
On 27 August last year, despite being subject to a non-molestation order, Muzyka forced entry into Ms Hoisan's home. Their three-year-old daughter was present when he fatally stabbed Ms Hoisan six times in the chest.
Following a trial at the Old Bailey, Muzyka, from New Malden, south London, was found guilty of murder and possession of a blade. Investigators discovered his mobile phone contained extensive searches for spyware, masks, knives, and human anatomy, alongside numerous images related to these topics. The precise placement of the stab wounds indicated a calculated act, consistent with his research into causing maximum damage.
Muzyka photographed Ms Hoisan as she lay dying before attempting to stab himself when a man who had been on a date with her ran to alert the police. The court heard Ms Hoisan, known as Lina, had previously reported Muzyka to police for violence, harassment, and stalking, leading to the non-molestation order. She had moved out of their shared home and was seeing a new partner, which had reportedly enraged Muzyka.
Judge Simon Mayo KC, in his sentencing remarks, highlighted that Muzyka's actions were driven by "jealousy, resentment and determination to exert control over Halyna". The judge also noted the "degrading and intrusive" act of photographing his victim in her final moments and the "incalculable" distress caused to her family by a video capturing her last moments.
Ms Hoisan's mother, Svitlana, conveyed the profound impact of her daughter's death, stating, "I still cannot believe she is gone. I constantly think how much she suffered and the fear she must have experienced before her death."
