Share this @internewscast.com

An Alaska couple was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly killing a 2-year-old boy who was placed into their care after his father murdered his mother in September.

Arraigned on Thursday, Steven Melovidov, 31, is accused of fatally striking Joshua Rukovishnikoff on December 11 and injuring his genitals. Following an emergency call that day, Melovidov’s wife, Sophie Myers-Melovidov, 28, told cops that the toddler fell and hit his head, which caused seizures, according to the Anchorage Daily News.

Rukovishnikoff died on December 12, after he was put on life support and scans confirmed he sustained a serious brain bleed. An autopsy revealed he had five separate head injuries in addition to multiple suspicious bruises on his genitals, the Daily News reported.

At some point, investigators reportedly reviewed text messages between Melovidov and Myers-Melovidov after Rukovishnikoff was mortally injured. They claim the texts show the foster parents knew what caused the toddler’s injuries — and that they hoped authorities would not find out.

After police questioned her on December 14, Myers-Melovidov allegedly texted her husband, “F**ken aye man. They better not f**ken put us in jail.”

A message reportedly sent on the day Rukovishnikoff died said, “Hopefully doctors and nurses and whoever checks him won’t call [the Office of Children’s Services] or the police. Please delete this text after you read. I’m scared and worried.”

The Daily Beast reported that the slain toddler was placed into foster care in October, after his father, Joshua Rukovishnikoff, 51, was arrested for killing his mother, Nadesda Rukovishnikoff, by putting her into a chokehold during an altercation. He remains jailed on various charges, including second-degree murder.

Meanwhile, Melovidov and Myers-Melovidov were arraigned Thursday on charges of first- and second-degree murder and fourth-degree assault. Their bail was set at $250,000 each.

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to the latest episode:

Join Nancy Grace for her new online video series designed to help you protect what you love most — your children.

[Featured image: Steven Melovidov, Sophie Myers-Melovidov/Facebook]

Source: This post first appeared on

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Father Charged with Infant’s Tragic Death and Mistreatment: DA Reports

Jakob Krause (Washington County). An Arkansas man is facing capital murder charges…

Judge Cannon Urged to Address Unresolved Mar-a-Lago Matter

Left: Judge Aileen Cannon (U.S. District Court for the Southern District of…

Girlfriend of Bali bombing survivor has clinic targeted in arson attack

A Melbourne skin-care clinic that was firebombed overnight is owned by the…

Judge from 9th Circuit Proposes Reconsideration of National Guard Case

Left: FILE – California Governor Gavin Newsom unveils his revised state budget…

“Who could be responsible for this?’: Firebombing attack targets new childcare center”

A newly opened childcare centre has become the target of a firebombing…

“Incident at Florida Motel Involving Alleged ‘Sugar Daddy’ Results in Shooting, One Fatality: Police Report”

Inset: Ronald Davis (Broward County Sheriff”s Office). Background: Plantation Motel in Plantation,…

Father Charged with Murdering Wife and Stepdaughter, Abducting Son

Inset: Aaron Dontay Williams (Auburn Police Dept.). Background: The home where Williams…

Man Found Guilty After Beheading Father During ‘Citizen’s Arrest’

Background: News footage shows Bucks County District Attorney Jen Schorn speaking at…

Six Teenagers Taken Into Custody Following Series of Alleged Crimes Including Stabbing and Carjacking

Six teenagers have been arrested after an alleged carjacking which ended in…

Watchdog Accuses Trump Administration of FOIA Violations Concerning Emil Bove Records

Former President Donald Trump is seen in court beside his lawyer, Emil…

Man Convicted for Fatally Shooting Estranged Wife

Background: News footage captures the aftermath of the incident where Tony Morris…

Minnesota Father Beheaded Teen Boy and Disposed of His Body in a Dumpster

A Minnesota man whose 16-year-old son was found dead last month was…