Woman Sentenced for 2022 Murder of Adopted Daughter

Mandie Miller receives 32-year prison term for killing 8-year-old Meela in Washington state.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Mandie Miller, a 36-year-old woman from Airway Heights, Washington, has been sentenced to 32 years in prison for the 2022 murder of her adopted daughter, Meela. Miller pleaded guilty to homicide by abuse, second-degree child assault, and two counts of unlawful imprisonment related to Meela's death. Miller and her boyfriend, Aleksander Kurmoyarov, were initially charged after transporting Meela's body across state lines to the Pine Ridge Native American reservation in South Dakota.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of child abuse and the importance of thorough investigations and appropriate sentencing for those responsible. It also raises questions about the adoption and foster care system, and whether more can be done to protect vulnerable children.

The details

According to court records, Miller and Kurmoyarov were arrested in South Dakota after a funeral home tipped off police that the couple had arrived with a coffin containing Meela's remains but lacked proper burial documentation. During questioning, Kurmoyarov told police that Meela died on Halloween 2022, while Miller claimed the girl died weeks earlier, on September 10. Investigators determined that Meela endured months of abuse before becoming so frail that she died in September 2022 at the couple's Washington state home. Kurmoyarov has also been charged and is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday.

  • Meela died in September 2022 at the couple's Washington state home.
  • Meela's body was transported to South Dakota in October 2022.
  • Mandie Miller was sentenced on February 6, 2026.

The players

Mandie Miller

A 36-year-old woman from Airway Heights, Washington, who pleaded guilty to homicide by abuse, second-degree child assault, and two counts of unlawful imprisonment related to the 2022 murder of her adopted daughter, Meela.

Aleksander Kurmoyarov

Mandie Miller's boyfriend, who was also charged in connection with Meela's death and has accepted a plea deal.

Meela

Mandie Miller's 8-year-old adopted daughter, who died in September 2022 after enduring months of abuse.

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What’s next

Aleksander Kurmoyarov is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for greater vigilance and support within the adoption and foster care system to protect vulnerable children from abuse and neglect. It also emphasizes the importance of swift and decisive action by law enforcement and the justice system to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.