Apprentice Monk Agrees To Plea Deal In Nun’s Murder

MIAMI — An apprentice monk has been convicted on murder charges.

Kofel stabbed Sister Michelle Lewis to death at a residence at Holy Cross Academy.

Mykhaylo Kofel, 22, was sentenced today to two 30-year prison terms as part of a plea bargain with prosecutors. He admitted his guilt in court today, saying that murder is wrong no matter what.

“I am really sorry. I want to take the full responsibility for my actions. I wish I could turn back time and change the past. If I could, I would give my life for her’s,” Kofel said.

The nun’s mother, Beverly Lewis, got a chance to address Kofel.

“I’ve seen my daughter take her first breath of life, but your murder of her was so vile and so brutal, I was not even allowed to look at her and say goodbye,” she said. Lewis also said that she knew her daughter was in heaven.

Kofel’s original charge of first-degree murder was reduced to second-degree, but the charge of armed burglary with assault remained the same.

Kofel is a Ukrainian who belongs to the Byzantine Monastic Order of the Eastern Orthodox Church. He did not have a trial for the 2001 murder of Sister Michelle Lewis, 39. Kofel confessed he stabbed her to death.

He claims two priests sexually abused him at the Holy Cross Academy. Those priests have denied the claim. Prosecutors said there is an investigation into the sexual abuse allegations.

Kofel’s prison terms are to run simultaneously. When he is released, he will be deported to his native Ukraine.