Spokane, Washington – An Airway Heights man was sentenced Monday to 22 years in prison for the killing of his girlfriend’s 8-year-old daughter, closing a case that drew national attention and a multi-state investigation.
According to the Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Aleksandr O. Kurmoyarov, 31, was sentenced to 275 months after pleading guilty in September 2023 to second-degree murder, second-degree assault and three counts of unlawful imprisonment in the child’s death. He also agreed to testify against his girlfriend, Mandie Miller, who was sentenced to 32 years in prison last week.
Court documents state the victim was Miller’s niece and adopted daughter. Investigators determined the couple allegedly abused, starved and ultimately killed the child in September 2022 at their Airway Heights home. Authorities said the girl was confined to a room and restrained for hours at a time over a prolonged period.
The case came to light in December 2022 when the couple allegedly attempted to bury the child in Mitchell, South Dakota. Funeral home staff reportedly became suspicious when the couple could not provide documentation of the death and contacted police. After a search warrant was obtained, Airway Heights police and Spokane County investigators developed probable cause to arrest the pair.
During sentencing, prosecutors requested the high end of the sentencing guidelines, stating the lengthy term was necessary to punish, protect and deter. Judge Michelle Szambelan imposed the 22-year sentence, acknowledging Kurmoyarov’s cooperation but noting no sentence could ease the family’s pain.
The case has resonated widely, particularly among families and young parents in the region.
