Airway Heights Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Child's Death

Aleksandr Kurmoyarov pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and other charges in the death of his girlfriend's 8-year-old adopted daughter.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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An Airway Heights, Washington man has been sentenced to more than 22 years in prison for his role in the death of an 8-year-old girl. Aleksandr O. Kurmoyarov, 31, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, second-degree assault and three counts of unlawful imprisonment in connection with the child's death. His girlfriend, Mandie Miller, was previously sentenced to 32 years in prison in the same case.

Why it matters

The case highlights the tragic consequences of child abuse and neglect, and the importance of reporting suspected abuse to authorities. It also raises questions about the foster care system and the need for better oversight and support for vulnerable children.

The details

According to court documents, investigators determined that in December 2022, the child had been abused, starved and ultimately killed. The child was confined to a room in the home and restrained for extended periods of time. The abuse and neglect were described as occurring over a prolonged period. The couple allegedly attempted to bury the child, but the case came to light when they sought burial arrangements at a funeral home in South Dakota without documentation of the child's death.

  • In December 2022, law enforcement uncovered evidence of the child's abuse and neglect.
  • The child died in September 2022, and her body was kept in the home until December.
  • In December 2022, the couple rented a U-Haul truck and traveled to Mitchell, South Dakota, where they sought burial arrangements at a funeral home.
  • Kurmoyarov was sentenced on February 10, 2026.
  • Miller was sentenced the week prior to Kurmoyarov's sentencing.

The players

Aleksandr O. Kurmoyarov

A 31-year-old Airway Heights, Washington man who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, second-degree assault and three counts of unlawful imprisonment in connection with the child's death.

Mandie Miller

The girlfriend of Aleksandr Kurmoyarov and the adopted mother of the 8-year-old victim. She was previously sentenced to 32 years in prison in the same case.

Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney's Office

The office that prosecuted the case against Kurmoyarov and Miller.

Judge Michelle Szambelan

The judge who sentenced Kurmoyarov to 275 months in prison, the high end of the standard sentencing range.

Mitchell Police Department

The law enforcement agency that arrested Kurmoyarov and Miller in South Dakota and alerted authorities in Washington.

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What they’re saying

“No sentence could ease the pain experienced by the child's family.”

— Judge Michelle Szambelan, Judge (Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney's Office)

“The 275-month sentence was appropriate to punish and deter.”

— Prosecutors (Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney's Office)

What’s next

The case highlights the need for better oversight and support for vulnerable children in the foster care system to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

The takeaway

This horrific case underscores the importance of reporting suspected child abuse and neglect to the authorities, and the need for stronger protections and resources to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.