Nun’s Stabbing Death Shocks School Community

Teen Monk Faces First-Degree Murder Charges

KENDALL, Fla. — An 18-year old monk will face a judge Tuesday after being accused of beating and stabbing a nun to death at a South Florida school.

Police say that Mykhaylo Kofel confessed to killing 39-year-old Sister Michelle Lewis this weekend.

Both he and Lewis lived and worked at the Holy Cross Academy in Kendall. Lewis’ body was found naked and beaten in her bedroom.

Kofel was seen hours later pacing school grounds.
Students and parents at the small private school are shocked.

“It’s just a sad atmosphere. I think she was a well-known nun. Everyone is concerened, everybody’s scared, afraid. But they have assured me that they have taken all precautions,” said Zoraya Regalado, a parent.

Police are working on finding a motive. Kofel is charged with first degree murder.